llegar a un acuerdo
Lemma Details
Translation: to reach an agreement; to come to an agreement; to agree
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'llegar' (to arrive, to reach), 'a' (to), and 'acuerdo' (agreement). 'Acuerdo' derives from the verb 'acordar' (to agree), which comes from Latin 'accordare' (to be of one mind, to agree), from 'ad-' (to) + 'cor, cordis' (heart). The etymology reflects the idea that agreement happens when hearts or minds come together, similar to the English 'accord' which shares the same Latin root.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Después de horas de negociación, finalmente llegaron a un acuerdo.
After hours of negotiation, they finally reached an agreement.
Es importante que lleguemos a un acuerdo antes de la reunión de mañana.
It's important that we come to an agreement before tomorrow's meeting.
Los países llegaron a un acuerdo sobre el cambio climático.
The countries reached an agreement on climate change.
No pudimos llegar a un acuerdo sobre el precio.
We couldn't come to an agreement on the price.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'llegar' (to arrive) at a destination called 'acuerdo' (agreement) - you're arriving at a point where everyone agrees.
- Connect 'acuerdo' with English 'accord' - both mean agreement and share the same root.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in both business and personal contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. It's an important concept in Spanish culture, which values consensus and harmonious resolution of conflicts. In business negotiations and political discussions, 'llegar a un acuerdo' represents a positive outcome that allows all parties to move forward.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'llegar a un acuerdo' means to reach or come to an agreement (implying a process that concludes in consensus), 'estar de acuerdo' means to be in agreement or to agree with something (implying a state of agreement that already exists).
Notes: 'Llegar a un acuerdo' focuses on the process and outcome of negotiation, while 'estar de acuerdo' expresses alignment with an idea or position.
Mnemonic: 'Llegar' involves movement/arrival (reaching an agreement), while 'estar' indicates a state (being in agreement).
Explanation: 'Llegar a un acuerdo' is broader and refers to reaching consensus on any matter, while 'hacer un trato' specifically means 'to make a deal' and is more commonly used in business or transactional contexts.
Confused word:
Hicimos un trato con el proveedor para reducir los precios.
We made a deal with the supplier to reduce prices.
Notes: 'Llegar a un acuerdo' has a broader application and can be used in personal, political, or business contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'trato' as 'trade' - it's more about business exchanges.