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How to Say "network" in Spanish

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

English → Spanish

red

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

nounA2general
Use 'red' for technical networks like computer systems, communication links, or transportation 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-tohs/konˈtak.tos/

nounA2general
Use 'contactos' to refer to the people you know, especially for professional or social networking purposes.
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-ness//ko.nekˈsjo.nes/

nounB2general
Use 'conexiones' when referring to a more established or influential group of people, often in business or social circles.
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).

cadena

/kah-DEH-nah//kaˈðena/

nounB1broadcasting
Use 'cadena' specifically for a broadcasting channel or a chain of events.
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-toh/siɾˈkwito/

nounC1specialized
Use 'circuito' to describe a specialized or exclusive circuit of people or places, like an art scene or a social club.
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.

Distinguishing 'red' from 'contactos'/'conexiones'

Learners often confuse 'red' with 'contactos' or 'conexiones'. Remember, 'red' is for systems (like internet or transport), while 'contactos' and 'conexiones' refer to people you know, with 'conexiones' implying a more established group.

Related Translations

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