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How to Say "settlement" in Spanish

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acuerdo

/ah-KWEHR-doh//aˈkweɾ.ðo/

NounA2formal
Use 'acuerdo' for a general agreement or resolution reached between parties, often in a formal or legal context but not necessarily financial.
Two people shaking hands over a desk with a signed paper, symbolizing a friendly deal or agreement.

Examples

Finalmente, llegaron a un acuerdo.

Finally, they reached an agreement.

Estoy de acuerdo contigo.

I agree with you.

El acuerdo de paz fue firmado ayer.

The peace accord was signed yesterday.

The Super-Phrase: 'De acuerdo'

Think of 'de acuerdo' as a single block that means 'okay' or 'in agreement'. You use it with the verb 'estar', not 'ser'. For example, 'Estamos de acuerdo' (We agree).

'un acuerdo' vs. 'de acuerdo'

Mistake: “Using them interchangeably. For example, saying 'Soy un acuerdo' to mean 'I agree'.”

Correction: Use 'un acuerdo' when talking about the agreement itself (a thing): 'Tenemos un acuerdo' (We have a deal). Use 'de acuerdo' to say you agree: 'Estoy de acuerdo' (I agree).

arreglo

/ah-rreh-glo//aˈrreɣlo/

NounB1formal
Choose 'arreglo' when referring to a formal resolution, particularly one that involves financial compensation or a legal settlement, like resolving a dispute with a company.
Two stylized figures shaking hands firmly across a table, symbolizing an agreement or plan.

Examples

Finalmente, llegaron a un arreglo con la compañía de seguros.

Finally, they reached an agreement with the insurance company.

Necesitamos hacer un arreglo para que todos podamos usar el coche.

We need to make an arrangement so that we can all use the car.

Preposition Use

When talking about reaching a deal, use the verb 'llegar' followed by the preposition 'a': 'llegar a un arreglo'.

pago

/PAH-go//ˈpa.ɣo/

NounA1
Use 'pago' specifically when 'settlement' refers to the act of paying a debt or closing a financial obligation, like paying rent.
A close-up view of two hands performing a transaction: one hand is placing a stack of paper currency and a few coins into the open palm of the second hand.

Examples

El pago de la renta es el primer día del mes.

The rent payment is on the first day of the month.

Ella recibió el pago por su trabajo inmediatamente.

She received the payment for her work immediately.

Aceptamos el pago con tarjeta de crédito o en efectivo.

We accept payment by credit card or in cash.

Always Masculine

Even though money (la moneda) is feminine, 'pago' is a masculine noun, so use 'el pago' or 'un pago'.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'pago' as the action when you mean the verb 'pagar' (to pay).”

Correction: Remember 'pago' is the thing (the payment), while 'pagar' is the action (to pay).

Acuerdo vs. Arreglo

Learners often confuse 'acuerdo' and 'arreglo.' While both imply agreement, 'arreglo' more strongly suggests a formal resolution involving financial or legal terms, especially after a conflict or claim. 'Acuerdo' is broader and can simply mean reaching a mutual understanding.

Related Translations

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