cerrar un trato
Lemma Details
Translation: to close a deal; to seal a deal; to finalize an agreement
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'cerrar' (to close, to shut) from Latin 'serare' (to bolt, to lock) and 'trato' (deal, agreement) from Latin 'tractus' (handling, management). The metaphorical concept of 'closing' a business deal exists in both Spanish and English, showing parallel development of business terminology.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Después de meses de negociaciones, finalmente cerramos un trato con la empresa japonesa.
After months of negotiations, we finally closed a deal with the Japanese company.
Si quieres cerrar un trato con él, tendrás que mejorar tu oferta.
If you want to close a deal with him, you'll have to improve your offer.
Cerraron un trato millonario para la construcción del nuevo estadio.
They closed a million-dollar deal for the construction of the new stadium.
Mnemonics
- Think of physically closing a door ('cerrar') on negotiations because the deal is complete.
- Visualize a handshake 'closing' the space between two business partners.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking business cultures, closing a deal often involves more personal interaction and relationship-building than in some English-speaking contexts. The phrase is commonly used in business negotiations and commercial contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'cerrar un trato' refers to reaching an agreement or closing a deal in principle, 'cerrar un contrato' specifically refers to finalizing a formal contract document.
This word:
Cerramos un trato durante la reunión de ayer.
We closed a deal during yesterday's meeting.
Confused word:
Cerramos un contrato que especifica todos los términos legales.
We finalized a contract that specifies all the legal terms.
Notes: In business contexts, 'cerrar un trato' often precedes 'cerrar un contrato' in the negotiation process.
Mnemonic: 'Trato' is about the agreement itself, while 'contrato' involves the paperwork.
Explanation: 'Cerrar un trato' emphasizes the finalization or conclusion of negotiations, while 'hacer un trato' (to make a deal) can refer to the entire process of creating an agreement.
This word:
Después de negociar los términos, cerramos un trato.
After negotiating the terms, we closed a deal.
Confused word:
Hicimos un trato que beneficia a ambas partes.
We made a deal that benefits both parties.
Notes: These phrases can sometimes be used interchangeably, but 'cerrar un trato' more specifically indicates successful completion.
Mnemonic: 'Cerrar' (close) focuses on the end of negotiations; 'hacer' (make) encompasses the whole process.