Inklingo

How to Say "treaty" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tratado

trah-TAH-doh/tɾaˈtaðo/

nounB2formal
Use 'tratado' for formal, official agreements specifically between countries or states, such as trade, peace, or border treaties.
Two diverse, stylized hands shaking firmly above a rolled-up scroll tied with a red ribbon, symbolizing a formal treaty between states.

Examples

Los dos países firmaron un tratado de comercio la semana pasada.

The two countries signed a trade treaty last week.

El profesor publicó un tratado sobre la filosofía moderna.

The professor published a treatise on modern philosophy.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-o', remember that 'tratado' is a masculine noun, so it always uses 'el' or 'un'.

pacto

PAK-toh/ˈpakto/

nounB1formal
Choose 'pacto' for agreements that are political in nature or carry a sense of mutual commitment, which can include international accords but also less formal political understandings.
A colorful illustration depicting two stylized hands firmly grasping each other in a handshake, symbolizing a formal agreement or pact.

Examples

Los dos países firmaron un pacto de no agresión.

The two countries signed a non-aggression pact (agreement).

Llegamos a un pacto para compartir los gastos de la casa.

We reached an agreement to share the household expenses.

Romper el pacto electoral tendrá consecuencias políticas graves.

Breaking the electoral agreement will have serious political consequences.

Gender Check

Remember that 'pacto' is a masculine noun, so it always uses the masculine article: 'el pacto' or 'un pacto'.

Pacto vs. Impacto

Mistake: “Using 'impacto' when you mean 'pacto'.”

Correction: They sound similar, but 'impacto' means 'impact' or 'shock,' while 'pacto' is a formal 'agreement' or 'deal'.

convención

nounC1formal
Use 'convención' for established international rules, agreements, or conferences, often focusing on specific areas like human rights or specific practices.

Examples

El país ratificó la convención sobre los derechos del niño.

The country ratified the convention on the rights of the child.

Tratado vs. Pacto vs. Convención

Learners often confuse 'tratado' and 'pacto'. Remember that 'tratado' is the most standard term for a formal treaty between states, like a peace treaty. 'Pacto' is broader and can imply a mutual agreement or political deal, not necessarily a state-level formal treaty.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.