respecto a
Lemma Details
Translation: regarding; with respect to; concerning; in relation to; with regard to
Part of Speech: preposition
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'respectus' meaning 'regard, consideration', which comes from 'respicere' ('to look back at, regard'), from 're-' ('back') + 'specere' ('to look'). The English cognate 'respect' shares this Latin origin, though the prepositional phrase 'respecto a' in Spanish is used specifically to establish a relationship or reference between topics.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tengo algunas dudas respecto a la propuesta.
I have some doubts regarding the proposal.
Respecto a lo que mencionaste ayer, creo que tienes razón.
Concerning what you mentioned yesterday, I think you're right.
El profesor hizo varios comentarios respecto a mi trabajo.
The professor made several comments about my work.
¿Qué piensas respecto a este tema?
What do you think regarding this topic?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'respect' in English - when you talk 'respecto a' something, you're showing respect by giving it attention.
- Remember it as 'with respect to' in English, which has the same function of relating one thing to another.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This prepositional phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts in Spanish, particularly in academic, business, and legal settings when establishing relationships between topics or introducing a new subject for discussion.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both 'respecto a' and 'con respecto a' have identical meanings and can be used interchangeably. The only difference is that 'con respecto a' includes the preposition 'con' (with).
Confused word:
Con respecto a tu pregunta, no tengo una respuesta clara.
With respect to your question, I don't have a clear answer.
Notes: Both forms are equally correct and common in Spanish. The choice between them is often a matter of personal preference or regional usage.
Mnemonic: Think of 'respecto a' as the shorter, quicker version of the same expression.
Explanation: While both expressions can be translated as 'about' or 'concerning', 'acerca de' is more general when talking about a topic, while 'respecto a' often implies a more specific relationship or consideration.
Confused word:
Hablamos acerca de política.
We talked about politics.
Notes: In many contexts, these phrases can be used interchangeably, but 'respecto a' often carries a slightly more formal tone.
Mnemonic: Think of 'respecto a' as showing 'respect to' a specific aspect, while 'acerca de' is more about approaching a general topic.