How to Say "pact" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “pact” is “trato” — use 'trato' for a less formal, often personal 'deal' or agreement, like a bargain or a promise between individuals.
trato
TRAH-tohˈtɾa.to
Examples
Hicimos un trato: si apruebas el examen, te compro el videojuego.
We made a deal: if you pass the exam, I'll buy you the video game.
Tenemos un trato. No le diré a nadie.
We have a deal. I won't tell anyone.
Cerraron el trato con un apretón de manos.
They sealed the deal with a handshake.
Parte del trato es que tú laves los platos.
Part of the agreement is that you wash the dishes.
pacto
PAK-tohˈpakto
Examples
Los líderes firmaron un pacto de paz duradero.
The leaders signed a lasting peace pact.
Los dos países firmaron un pacto de no agresión.
The two countries signed a non-aggression pact (agreement).
Llegamos a un pacto para compartir los gastos de la casa.
We reached an agreement to share the household expenses.
Romper el pacto electoral tendrá consecuencias políticas graves.
Breaking the electoral agreement will have serious political consequences.
Gender Check
Remember that 'pacto' is a masculine noun, so it always uses the masculine article: 'el pacto' or 'un pacto'.
Pacto vs. Impacto
Mistake: “Using 'impacto' when you mean 'pacto'.”
Correction: They sound similar, but 'impacto' means 'impact' or 'shock,' while 'pacto' is a formal 'agreement' or 'deal'.
convenio
kon-BEH-nyohkomˈbenjo
Examples
El convenio colectivo mejorará las condiciones laborales.
The collective agreement will improve working conditions.
Las dos empresas firmaron un convenio de colaboración.
The two companies signed a collaboration agreement.
El convenio internacional protege los derechos de los niños.
The international treaty protects the rights of children.
Llegaron a un convenio para evitar el juicio.
They reached an agreement to avoid the trial.
Always Masculine
Even though it refers to an 'agreement' (which is feminine 'la alianza' in some contexts), 'convenio' is always masculine: 'el convenio' or 'un convenio'.
Formal Tone
Use 'convenio' when talking about written or legal documents. For a casual spoken agreement with a friend, use 'acuerdo' instead.
False Friend Alert
Mistake: “Using 'convenio' to mean 'convenience'.”
Correction: Use 'conveniencia' for 'convenience'. 'Convenio' is strictly a formal agreement.
alianza
a-lee-AHN-sahaˈljansa
Examples
La alianza militar se fortaleció tras la crisis.
The military alliance was strengthened after the crisis.
Los dos países formaron una alianza económica para comerciar mejor.
The two countries formed an economic alliance to trade better.
La alianza militar se disolvió después de la guerra.
The military alliance dissolved after the war.
Necesitamos crear una alianza fuerte entre todos los departamentos.
We need to create a strong coalition among all the departments.
Gender Check
Remember that 'alianza' is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine words like 'la' or 'una' before it: 'La alianza es importante'.
tratado
trah-TAH-dohtɾaˈtaðo
Examples
El tratado de libre comercio entró en vigor hoy.
The free trade treaty entered into force today.
Los dos países firmaron un tratado de comercio la semana pasada.
The two countries signed a trade treaty last week.
El profesor publicó un tratado sobre la filosofía moderna.
The professor published a treatise on modern philosophy.
Masculine Noun
Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'tratado' is a masculine noun, so it always uses 'el' or 'un'.
convención
Examples
La convención internacional prohíbe el uso de ciertas armas.
The international convention prohibits the use of certain weapons.
Trato vs. Pacto
Related Translations
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