buen trato
Lemma Details
Translation: good treatment; fair treatment; good deal; good relationship
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'buen' (the apocope form of 'bueno', meaning 'good', from Latin 'bonus') and 'trato' (from the verb 'tratar', meaning 'to treat', derived from Latin 'tractare'). The phrase reflects the concept of treating someone or something with respect and fairness.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los empleados merecen un buen trato por parte de sus jefes.
Employees deserve good treatment from their bosses.
El buen trato hacia los clientes es fundamental para el éxito del negocio.
Good treatment of customers is fundamental to business success.
Firmaron un contrato con buen trato para ambas partes.
They signed a contract with a good deal for both parties.
Mantienen un buen trato a pesar de los años.
They maintain a good relationship despite the years.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'buen' as 'good' and 'trato' as 'treatment' - literally 'good treatment'
- Remember that 'trato' comes from 'tratar' (to treat) - so 'buen trato' is about treating someone well
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'buen trato' is often emphasized in professional settings, customer service, and interpersonal relationships. It's also commonly used in discussions about human rights, particularly regarding vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'buen trato' refers to good treatment or a fair deal, 'trato hecho' means 'deal done' or 'it's a deal' and is used to confirm an agreement.
Confused word:
¡Trato hecho! Nos vemos mañana para firmar los papeles.
Deal done! We'll meet tomorrow to sign the papers.
Notes: 'Buen trato' is descriptive of how someone is treated, while 'trato hecho' is a confirmation of an agreement.
Mnemonic: 'Buen trato' is about quality (good treatment), while 'trato hecho' is about completion (deal done).
Explanation: 'Buen trato' (good treatment) sounds similar to 'buen rato' (good time, pleasant while), but they have different meanings and uses.
This word:
Los niños reciben un buen trato en esta escuela.
Children receive good treatment at this school.
Confused word:
Pasamos un buen rato en la fiesta anoche.
We had a good time at the party last night.
Notes: 'Buen trato' refers to how someone is treated, while 'buen rato' refers to enjoying a period of time.
Mnemonic: 'Trato' has a 't' for 'treatment', while 'rato' has an 'r' for 'time' (rate).