Inklingo

How to Say "mutual" in Spanish

English → Spanish

comunes

koh-MOO-nesskoˈmunes

adjectiveA1general
Use 'comunes' when referring to things that are shared or belong to multiple people, especially when describing friends or common acquaintances.
Two different hands, one light-skinned and one dark-skinned, simultaneously reaching into a woven basket overflowing with identical red apples, symbolizing something common and shared.

Examples

Tenemos varios amigos comunes.

We have several mutual friends.

Son problemas comunes en las grandes ciudades.

They are common problems in big cities.

Las áreas comunes del edificio están limpias.

The common areas of the building are clean.

Adjective Agreement

Since 'comunes' ends in -es, it is the plural form. It can describe both masculine plural nouns (problemas comunes) and feminine plural nouns (áreas comunes).

común

koh-MOONkoˈmun

adjectiveA2general
Use 'común' to describe shared interests, characteristics, or things that are common to two or more people or groups.
A boy and a girl holding the same red wagon together, illustrating shared ownership.

Examples

Tenemos varios intereses comunes, como la música.

We have several mutual interests, such as music.

Necesitamos encontrar un punto común para negociar.

We need to find a common ground to negotiate.

El objetivo común de la reunión es firmar el contrato.

The mutual goal of the meeting is to sign the contract.

Using 'Mutuo' vs. 'Común'

Mistake: “Using *mutuo* for 'common friend' (*un amigo mutuo*).”

Correction: Always use *amigo común* in Spanish to mean 'mutual friend.' *Mutuo* is reserved for feelings or actions (e.g., *respeto mutuo*).

mutuo

MOO-twoˈmutwo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'mutuo' when the feeling or action is reciprocal between two parties, like respect, love, or understanding.
Two people shaking hands with warm smiles, showing a shared agreement or feeling.

Examples

El respeto entre nosotros es mutuo.

The respect between us is mutual.

Llegaron a un acuerdo mutuo para terminar el contrato.

They reached a mutual agreement to end the contract.

Sienten una gran admiración mutua.

They feel a great mutual admiration.

Matching the Noun

This word changes its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'mutuo' for masculine things (acuerdo mutuo) and 'mutua' for feminine things (ayuda mutua).

Where to put it

Usually, you place this word after the noun it describes, like 'respeto mutuo' rather than 'mutuo respeto,' though the second way is sometimes used in very poetic writing.

Confusing 'Mutuo' and 'Mutuamente'

Mistake: “Nos queremos mutuo.”

Correction: Nos queremos mutuamente (We love each other mutually/reciprocally). Use 'mutuo' to describe a thing (a noun) and 'mutuamente' to describe an action (a verb).

Confusing Shared Things vs. Shared Feelings

The most common mistake is using 'mutuo' for shared objects or interests. Remember: 'común/comunes' is for things you share (friends, interests), while 'mutuo' is for feelings or actions that go both ways (respect, love).

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