negocio
Lemma Details
Translation: business; deal; transaction; affair; matter; trade; commerce
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'negotium', a compound of 'nec' (not) and 'otium' (leisure, ease), literally meaning 'not-leisure' or 'occupation'. The word reflects the Roman concept that business was the opposite of leisure. This same Latin root gave English the words 'negotiate' and 'negotiation', showing the connection between business dealings and discussion to reach agreements.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mi padre tiene un pequeño negocio de reparación de computadoras.
My father has a small computer repair business.
Hemos cerrado un buen negocio con esa empresa.
We've closed a good deal with that company.
Los negocios internacionales requieren conocimiento de diferentes culturas.
International business requires knowledge of different cultures.
Este no es mi negocio, no me voy a meter.
This is not my business, I'm not going to get involved.
Mnemonics
- Think 'negotiate' - they share the same Latin root and both involve transactions or dealings.
- Remember 'neg-ocio' as the opposite of 'ocio' (leisure) - business is what you do when you're not at leisure.
- Picture a busy person saying 'No leisure!' (neg-ocio) because they're focused on business.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'negocio' often refers to small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. The concept of 'hacer negocios' (doing business) is often relationship-based, with personal connections playing an important role in business culture. In many Latin American countries, small family-owned 'negocios' form the backbone of local economies.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'negocio' means 'business' or 'deal', 'ocio' means 'leisure' or 'free time'. They are actually etymological opposites, as 'negocio' originally meant 'not leisure'.
This word:
Voy a la reunión para discutir el negocio.
I'm going to the meeting to discuss the business.
Notes: These words represent opposite concepts in Spanish culture - work versus relaxation.
Mnemonic: 'Negocio' contains 'neg' (negative) + 'ocio' (leisure), meaning 'not leisure' = work/business.
Explanation: 'Negocio' typically refers to a specific business entity or deal, while 'comercio' refers more broadly to commerce or trade as a concept or activity.
Confused word:
El comercio entre estos dos países ha aumentado.
Trade between these two countries has increased.
Notes: 'Comercio' is more abstract, while 'negocio' is often more concrete and specific.
Mnemonic: Think of 'comercio' as commerce (the general activity) and 'negocio' as a specific business or deal.