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How to Say "relating to" in Spanish

English → Spanish

referente

/reh-feh-REHN-teh//refeˈɾente/

adjectiveB2
Use 'referente' when you want to express that something has a direct connection or is about a specific topic, often acting as a synonym for 'concerning' or 'regarding'.
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
Use 'relativo a' when indicating that something is connected to or concerns a broader subject, often implying a less direct or more general link than 'referente'.
A magnifying glass hovering over a map of a park.

Examples

Tengo dudas relativas al nuevo contrato.

I have doubts relating to 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.

Referente vs. Relativo a

The most common mistake is using 'referente' when 'relativo a' is more natural, or vice-versa. While they overlap, 'relativo a' often suggests a broader or less direct connection, whereas 'referente' implies a more specific focus.

Related Translations

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