cerrar un trato
Lemma: cerrar un trato
Translation: to close a deal; to seal a deal; to finalize an agreement (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.
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.