Inklingo

How to Say "relates to" in Spanish

English → Spanish

refiere

reh-FYEH-reh/reˈfje.ɾe/

verbA2
Use 'refiere' when you mean 'refers to' or 'has a bearing on' a specific subject, often in a context of information or discussion.
A bright red arrow connecting an open blue book to a single red apple, visualizing a reference or connection.

Examples

La película se refiere a la historia de la Segunda Guerra Mundial.

The movie relates to the history of World War II.

La pregunta se refiere al capítulo tres del libro.

The question refers to chapter three of the book.

Mi jefe siempre se refiere a mí como 'el experto'.

My boss always refers to me as 'the expert'.

¿A qué se refiere exactamente cuando dice eso?

What exactly does he/she mean when saying that?

The Essential 'Se' and 'A'

When using 'refiere' to mean 'to refer to' or 'to be about,' it is almost always reflexive (se refiere) and must be followed by the preposition 'a'. Think of it as 'it refers itself to...'

Forgetting the 'A'

Mistake: “El informe se refiere el problema.”

Correction: El informe se refiere AL problema. (The reflexive verb always needs 'a' before the topic.)

respecta

/rehs-PEHK-tah//resˈpekta/

verbB2formal
Use 'respecta' when you want to talk about a specific topic by saying 'as far as X is concerned' or 'regarding X'. It often introduces a specific area of focus.
A person pointing their finger at a single red apple in a basket full of green apples.

Examples

En lo que respecta a la reunión, se pospuso para la próxima semana.

As far as the meeting relates to it, it was postponed until next week.

En lo que respecta al presupuesto, no hay cambios.

As far as the budget is concerned, there are no changes.

Por lo que a mí respecta, el trato está cerrado.

As far as I'm concerned, the deal is closed.

Esta norma no respecta a los ciudadanos extranjeros.

This rule does not relate to foreign citizens.

Using fixed phrases

This word is almost always found in the phrase 'en lo que respecta a.' Use this when you want to shift the focus of a conversation to a specific topic.

The 'C' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'respeta' instead of 'respecta' (or vice-versa).”

Correction: Use 'respeta' (no C) for showing admiration/honor. Use 'respecta' (with a C) for things that relate to a topic.

Choosing between 'refiere' and 'respecta'

Learners often confuse 'refiere' and 'respecta' because both can introduce a topic. Remember that 'refiere' is about connection or bearing, while 'respecta' is about scope or concern, often used in more formal contexts.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.