Inklingo

How to Say "regarding" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “regarding” is “referente” — use 'referente' when directly linking a noun or pronoun to a specific topic, acting as a direct synonym for 'concerning' or 'related to'..

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referente

/reh-feh-REHN-teh//refeˈɾente/

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'referente' when directly linking a noun or pronoun to a specific topic, acting as a direct synonym for 'concerning' or 'related to'.
An open book with a magnifying glass hovering over a specific illustration of a leaf, showing focus on a single topic.

Examples

Tengo una pregunta referente al contrato.

I have a question regarding the contract.

Lo referente a los pagos se discutirá mañana.

The matters relating to payments will be discussed tomorrow.

No hay información referente a ese incidente.

There is no information concerning that incident.

The 'a' connection

When 'referente' acts as an adjective meaning 'regarding,' it is almost always followed by the word 'a'.

relativo

/reh-lah-TEE-boh//re.laˈti.βo/

adjectiveB2
Choose 'relativo' when emphasizing the connection or relevance of something to a particular subject or theme, often implying a broader relationship.
A magnifying glass hovering over a map of a park.

Examples

Tengo dudas relativas al nuevo contrato.

I have doubts regarding the new contract.

No hay información relativa a ese tema.

There is no information relating to that topic.

Las leyes relativas al medio ambiente son estrictas.

The laws concerning the environment are strict.

The 'A' Connection

When you want to say 'relating to' or 'concerning,' you must follow 'relativo' with the word 'a'. If the next word is 'el', they combine to form 'al'.

Missing the 'a'

Mistake: “Información relativa el examen.”

Correction: Información relativa al examen. Always use 'a' when connecting 'relativo' to a specific topic.

respectar

/rreh-spehk-TAR//respekˈtaɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'en lo que respecta a' to introduce a specific topic or aspect that you are about to discuss, functioning like 'as far as X is concerned' or 'with regard to X'.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a shepherd looking at a single lost sheep separated from the flock by a small stream.

Examples

En lo que respecta a la economía, el país está mejorando.

As far as the economy is concerned, the country is improving.

Este asunto no me respecta a mí.

This matter does not concern me.

Debemos analizar todo lo que respecta a la seguridad del edificio.

We must analyze everything relating to the security of the building.

Mostly used in the 3rd person

While you can technically conjugate this verb in all forms, it is almost always used in the forms 'respecta' (it concerns) or 'respectan' (they concern).

Respectar vs. Respetar

Do not confuse this with 'respetar' (to show respect). Use 'respectar' only when talking about how one thing connects or relates to another.

Using 'respectar' for personal admiration

Mistake: “Respecto mucho a mi abuelo.”

Correction: Respeto mucho a mi abuelo. (Use 'respetar' without the 'c' when you mean showing respect to a person).

torno

/TOHR-noh//ˈtoɾno/

nounB1
Use 'en torno a' to mean 'around' or 'about' a topic, often implying discussion or activity centered on that subject.
A small red house surrounded by a circle of green trees.

Examples

Los niños corrían en torno a la fuente.

The children were running around the fountain.

La reunión fue en torno a los nuevos presupuestos.

The meeting was about the new budgets.

Using 'En torno a'

This is a set phrase. You must include the 'a' if you are mentioning the specific thing you are talking about (e.g., 'en torno a la idea').

Torno vs. Entorno

Mistake: “Using 'en torno' when you mean 'the environment'.”

Correction: Use 'el entorno' (one word) for 'the surroundings/environment' and 'en torno a' (two words) for 'around/about'.

Adjective vs. Phrase Usage

Learners often confuse 'referente' and 'relativo' with the phrase 'en lo que respecta a'. Remember that 'referente' and 'relativo' are adjectives directly modifying a noun, while 'en lo que respecta a' is a fixed phrase introducing a topic.

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