convenio
Lemma Details
Translation: agreement; convention; treaty; pact; accord; arrangement
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'convenire' meaning 'to come together, to agree', formed from 'con-' (together) and 'venire' (to come). This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'convene', 'convention', and 'convenient'. The idea of 'coming together' evolved into the concept of reaching an agreement or understanding between parties.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Firmaron un convenio de colaboración entre las dos empresas.
They signed a collaboration agreement between the two companies.
El convenio colectivo establece las condiciones laborales de los empleados.
The collective agreement establishes the working conditions of the employees.
España ha ratificado varios convenios internacionales sobre derechos humanos.
Spain has ratified several international conventions on human rights.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'con-venio' as people coming together ('con' = with) to a venue ('venio' sounds like 'venue') to make an agreement.
- Relates to English 'convene' - when people convene, they often make a 'convenio' (agreement).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'convenio' is frequently used in legal, business, and diplomatic contexts. It's a common term in labor relations ('convenio colectivo') and international relations ('convenio internacional').
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Convenio' means 'agreement' while 'convento' means 'convent' or 'monastery'.
Confused word:
Las monjas viven en un convento cerca de la catedral.
The nuns live in a convent near the cathedral.
Notes: Both words share the Latin root 'convenire' (to come together), but evolved to describe different types of coming together - one for making agreements, the other for communal religious living.
Mnemonic: 'Convenio' ends with 'io' for 'I owe' (agreements often involve obligations), while 'convento' ends with 'to' for 'together' (people living together in a religious community).
Explanation: 'Convenio' is a noun meaning 'agreement', while 'convenir' is a verb meaning 'to agree' or 'to be convenient'.
Notes: These words are closely related - 'convenio' is often the result of the action 'convenir'.
Mnemonic: 'Convenio' is the thing (noun), 'convenir' is the action (verb).