Inklingo

How to Say "relationship" in Spanish

English → Spanish

relación

NounA2General
Use 'relación' for any general connection between people, things, or ideas, as well as for romantic or social partnerships.

Examples

Ellos tienen una relación muy bonita.

They have a very beautiful relationship.

romance

roh-MAHN-seh/roˈmanθe/

NounB1General
Use 'romance' specifically when referring to a passionate or romantic involvement between two people.
A simple illustration of two figures holding hands, silhouetted against a warm, setting sun, symbolizing a loving relationship.

Examples

Su romance con el actor fue breve pero intenso.

Her romance with the actor was brief but intense.

Me encanta leer novelas de romance histórico.

I love reading historical romance novels.

Querían mantener su romance en secreto para evitar a la prensa.

They wanted to keep their relationship secret to avoid the press.

Always Masculine

Even though 'el romance' refers to love, which can be shared by men and women, the word itself is always masculine: 'el romance'.

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La romance.”

Correction: El romance. Remember the word ends in '-ce', which often signals masculine nouns.

asunto

/ah-SOON-toh//aˈsunto/

NounB2Informal/Discreet
Use 'asunto' indirectly or euphemistically to refer to a sensitive or illicit relationship, such as an affair.
Two figures secretly holding hands behind a red curtain, symbolizing a hidden romantic affair.

Examples

Se rumorea que el director tiene un asunto con su secretaria.

It's rumored that the director is having an affair with his secretary.

Tuvieron un asunto durante el verano, pero no fue nada serio.

They had a fling during the summer, but it was nothing serious.

General vs. Specific Contexts

Learners often mistakenly use 'asunto' for any type of relationship. Remember, 'asunto' implies secrecy or impropriety, while 'relación' is the standard, neutral term for connections and partnerships.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.