Inklingo

How to Say "network" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “network” is “red” — use 'red' for technical networks like computer networks, transportation systems, or communication grids.

English → Spanish

red

rehd (like 'red' but with a softer 'd' sound)reð

nounA2general
Use 'red' for technical networks like computer networks, transportation systems, or communication grids.
Three brightly colored circular nodes connected by glowing white lines, symbolizing a communication network.

Examples

No tengo conexión a la red de wifi en el café.

I don't have a connection to the wifi network in the cafe.

Las redes sociales han cambiado cómo interactuamos.

Social networks have changed how we interact.

Madrid tiene una red de metro muy eficiente.

Madrid has a very efficient subway network.

Using 'La Red' for the Internet

When referring to the Internet specifically, Spanish often capitalizes 'Red' (la Red), similar to how English uses 'the Web'.

Using 'Network' as a verb

Mistake: “Voy a redear con la gente nueva.”

Correction: Voy a hacer contactos con la gente nueva. ('Red' is only a noun; use phrases like 'hacer contactos' for networking.)

contactos

kon-TAHK-tohskonˈtak.tos

nounA2general
Use 'contactos' for a list of people you know, especially for professional or social gain.
A colorful illustration showing three diverse people standing together and smiling, with one person shaking the hand of another, symbolizing networking and social connections.

Examples

Mi hermana tiene muchos contactos en el mundo de la moda.

My sister has many contacts in the fashion world.

Hacer contactos es fundamental si quieres iniciar tu propio negocio.

Making connections is essential if you want to start your own business.

Revisé mi lista de contactos para ver quién podía ayudarme.

I checked my list of contacts to see who could help me.

Always Plural Masculine

Even though 'contactos' might refer to women, the word itself is masculine and plural. Always use masculine plural articles: los contactos.

Using 'tener' vs. 'hacer'

Mistake: “Hago muchos contactos en mi trabajo. (I make many contacts in my job.)”

Correction: Tengo muchos contactos en mi trabajo. (I *have* many contacts in my job.) You 'make' them (*hacer*), but you usually talk about *having* them (*tener*).

conexiones

koh-nek-SYOH-nessko.nekˈsjo.nes

nounB2general
Use 'conexiones' to describe a group of people or organizations linked by common interests or relationships, often with a professional or influential aspect.
An illustration showing four diverse, stylized cartoon people, dressed professionally, standing close together. Faint, dashed white lines conceptually connect the heads of all four people, symbolizing a professional network.

Examples

Gracias a sus conexiones en la industria, consiguió el puesto fácilmente.

Thanks to her contacts in the industry, she got the position easily.

Es importante cultivar buenas conexiones si quieres triunfar en este campo.

It is important to cultivate good connections if you want to succeed in this field.

Figurative Use

When used in the sense of 'contacts' or 'networking,' the word is often preceded by verbs like 'tener' (to have) or 'hacer' (to make/build).

ecosistema

eh-koh-sees-TEH-mahekosisˈtema

nounB2general
Use 'ecosistema' for a self-contained, interconnected group of products, services, or entities that work together.
A group of different colorful gadgets like a phone, a tablet, and a smart watch connected by glowing lines.

Examples

Apple ha creado un ecosistema de productos que funcionan muy bien juntos.

Apple has created an ecosystem of products that work very well together.

Es importante fomentar un ecosistema de innovación en la ciudad.

It is important to promote an ecosystem of innovation in the city.

El ecosistema emprendedor de Madrid está creciendo rápidamente.

Madrid's entrepreneur ecosystem is growing rapidly.

Using it Figuratively

Just like in English, you can use this word to describe how different companies, apps, or people interact in a specific field.

cadena

kah-DEH-nahkaˈðena

nounB1broadcasting
Use 'cadena' specifically for a broadcasting channel or a chain of stores.
A stylized, simple retro television set showing a bright screen emitting simple circular broadcast waves.

Examples

Pusieron las noticias en la cadena nacional a las ocho.

They put the news on the national channel at eight o'clock.

Hay una nueva cadena de supermercados abriendo en mi barrio.

There is a new supermarket chain opening in my neighborhood.

¿Qué cadena de hoteles es la más popular en España?

Which hotel chain is the most popular in Spain?

Business Context

When talking about businesses, 'cadena' refers to a group of stores or services owned by the same company, like 'Starbucks' or 'Hilton'.

Confusing 'Cadena' and 'Canal'

Mistake: “Using 'canal' to mean a general TV network.”

Correction: 'Cadena' is usually preferred for the overall broadcasting network (e.g., Telemundo), while 'canal' often refers to the specific frequency or number.

circuito

seer-KWEE-tohsiɾˈkwito

nounC1general
Use 'circuito' to refer to a specific, often exclusive, social or professional sphere or path.
A simple illustration showing five distinct brightly colored location icons (e.g., a tower, a house, a factory) scattered on a map-like background. Thin blue lines connect all five icons together, forming a visible network.

Examples

Ella es una figura importante en el circuito de arte contemporáneo de la ciudad.

She is an important figure in the city's contemporary art network (circuit).

El juez viajó por todo el circuito judicial cubriendo varios casos.

The judge traveled throughout the judicial circuit covering several cases.

Network vs. Contacts

Learners often confuse 'red' (technical systems) with 'contactos' or 'conexiones' (people). Remember that 'red' is for systems like computers or transport, while 'contactos' and 'conexiones' refer to groups of people you know or are linked to.

Related Translations

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