Inklingo

How to Say "schemes" in Spanish

English → Spanish

negocios

/ne-GO-syos//neˈɣo.sjos/

nounB2informal, sometimes negative
Use 'negocios' when referring to complicated, potentially secretive, or even illicit plans or dealings that are being worked out.
A cartoon character whispering intensely into another character's ear while looking around nervously, symbolizing private or secretive affairs.

Examples

El político fue acusado de varios negocios turbios.

The politician was accused of several shady dealings.

No te metas en mis negocios, por favor.

Don't get involved in my affairs, please.

Se rumorea que tiene negocios turbios con el gobierno.

It's rumored that he has shady dealings with the government.

planes

PLAH-nes/'planes/

nounA1
Use 'planes' for straightforward, organized projects or arrangements, especially those concerning future activities.
A stylized illustration of a person holding a rolled-up blueprint, pointing towards a small, brightly colored model of a house built from toy blocks, symbolizing future planning and arrangements.

Examples

¿Tienes planes para el fin de semana?

Do you have plans for the weekend?

¿Tienes planes para esta noche?

Do you have plans for tonight?

Hagamos planes para ir al cine el sábado.

Let's make plans to go to the cinema on Saturday.

Mis planes de viaje se cayeron por el mal clima.

My travel plans fell through due to the bad weather.

It's Always Plural

When talking about social arrangements, 'planes' is almost always used in the plural, even if you are referring to a single upcoming activity.

Using the Singular for Social Plans

Mistake: “¿Tienes plan para el fin de semana?”

Correction: ¿Tienes planes para el fin de semana? (Always plural when talking about things you're doing.)

Confusing 'planes' and 'negocios'

Learners often use 'planes' for all types of schemes, but 'negocios' is crucial for conveying secretive or complex dealings. If your 'scheme' sounds a bit suspicious or like a complicated operation, 'negocios' is usually the better fit.

Related Translations

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