How to Say "reciprocal" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “reciprocal” is “mutuo” — use 'mutuo' when describing feelings, actions, or relationships that are shared or done in return between two or more parties..
mutuo
/MOO-two//ˈmutwo/
Examples
El apoyo entre los miembros del equipo fue mutuo.
The support among the team members was mutual.
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).
bilateral
/bee-lah-teh-RAHL//bi.la.teˈɾal/
Examples
Se firmó un tratado bilateral para la cooperación económica.
A bilateral treaty for economic cooperation was signed.
Los dos países firmaron un acuerdo bilateral para mejorar el comercio.
The two countries signed a bilateral agreement to improve trade.
El médico confirmó que la inflamación es bilateral, afectando a ambos pulmones.
The doctor confirmed that the inflammation is bilateral, affecting both lungs.
Para resolver el conflicto, necesitamos un compromiso bilateral.
To resolve the conflict, we need a two-sided commitment.
Gender-neutral endings
Adjectives that end in -al, like 'bilateral,' are the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. You don't need to change the ending.
Plural forms
To make it plural, just add -es. For example: 'acuerdos bilaterales' (bilateral agreements).
Avoid adding an 'a'
Mistake: “La relación bilaterala.”
Correction: La relación bilateral. The word doesn't change to 'a' even if the noun is feminine.
Mutuo vs. Bilateral
Related Translations
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