Inklingo

How to Say "treaty" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “treaty” is “tratado” — use 'tratado' for formal, official agreements between sovereign states, especially those concerning political or economic matters.

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tratado

trah-TAH-dohtɾaˈtaðo

nounB2formal
Use 'tratado' for formal, official agreements between sovereign states, especially those concerning political or economic matters.
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'.

convenio

kon-BEH-nyohkomˈbenjo

nounB1
Use 'convenio' for agreements, often between countries or organizations, that are practical or collaborative in nature.
Two people from different backgrounds shaking hands in front of a simple, colorful background.

Examples

Las dos empresas firmaron un convenio de colaboración.

The two companies signed a collaboration agreement.

El convenio internacional protege los derechos de los niños.

The international treaty protects the rights of children.

Llegaron a un convenio para evitar el juicio.

They reached an agreement to avoid the trial.

Always Masculine

Even though it refers to an 'agreement' (which is feminine 'la alianza' in some contexts), 'convenio' is always masculine: 'el convenio' or 'un convenio'.

Formal Tone

Use 'convenio' when talking about written or legal documents. For a casual spoken agreement with a friend, use 'acuerdo' instead.

False Friend Alert

Mistake: “Using 'convenio' to mean 'convenience'.”

Correction: Use 'conveniencia' for 'convenience'. 'Convenio' is strictly a formal agreement.

pacto

PAK-tohˈpakto

nounB1
Use 'pacto' for agreements that imply a mutual commitment or promise, often with a political or even a slightly less formal undertone than 'tratado'.
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 broad, often internationally established agreements covering specific subjects or rights, carrying a high degree of formality.

Examples

El país ratificó la convención sobre los derechos del niño.

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

Tratado vs. Convenio vs. Pacto

Learners often confuse 'tratado', 'convenio', and 'pacto'. While 'tratado' is strictly for formal state-to-state agreements, 'convenio' can also refer to practical collaborations, and 'pacto' implies a stronger sense of mutual promise or undertaking.

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