Learning how to say “according to” in Spanish is essential for effective communication. Whether you’re having a casual conversation or writing a formal document, knowing the right phrases to express this concept will greatly enhance your language skills. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to convey “according to” in both formal and informal contexts, and provide you with helpful tips, examples, and regional variations. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “According to” in Spanish
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use proper language to convey accurate information. Here are several phrases you can use to express “according to” in a formal context:
1. Según
The most common and widely used translation for “according to” in formal Spanish is “según.” This term is versatile and can be used in various structures to convey the desired meaning. Let’s look at some examples:
Según el informe, el crecimiento económico será sólido este año. (According to the report, economic growth will be strong this year.)
In this example, “según” is used before “el informe” (the report) to indicate that the information provided in the report is the source of the statement.
2. De acuerdo con
Another formal way to express “according to” is by using the phrase “de acuerdo con.” This construction is commonly used in written and spoken Spanish, particularly in more formal settings:
De acuerdo con el profesor, el examen será el próximo viernes. (According to the professor, the exam will be next Friday.)
Similar to “según,” “de acuerdo con” is placed before the source of the information to indicate its authority.
2. Informal Ways to Say “According to” in Spanish
In informal conversations or everyday situations, you may want to use a more relaxed tone. Here are some informal expressions to convey “according to” in Spanish:
1. Según (or Según dice)
Just like in formal contexts, “según” can also be used in informal situations. However, in informal speech, it is common to omit the subject and simply use “según” followed by the verb “dice” (he/she/it says):
Según dice, hoy va a hacer mucho calor. (According to him/her, it’s going to be very hot today.)
By using “según dice,” you indicate that you are referring to someone’s statement or opinion without explicitly mentioning the source.
2. Conforme a
Another way to informally express “according to” is by using the phrase “conforme a”:
Conforme a mis amigos, la película es muy divertida. (According to my friends, the movie is very funny.)
This construction is similar to “según” but is more commonly used in informal conversations.
3. Regional Variations in Spanish
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood across Spanish-speaking regions, there might be some regional variations in expressing “according to” that are worth noting:
1. Según a
In some Latin American countries, like Mexico, it is common to add the preposition “a” after “según” in certain contexts:
Según a la información que recibí, el evento fue un éxito absoluto. (According to the information I received, the event was a complete success.)
Note that this usage might vary depending on regional preferences, so it’s always a good idea to pay attention to the language used in a specific area.
Tips for Using “According to” in Spanish
Here are some additional tips to help you navigate the usage of “according to” in Spanish effectively:
- Use proper word order: In Spanish, it’s important to place “según” or other equivalent expressions before the source of the information to maintain clarity.
- Pay attention to gender and number agreement: Ensure that the accompanying noun or pronoun agrees in gender and number with the source mentioned. For example, “el informe” (the report) is masculine and singular, so “según el informe.”
- Practice using synonyms: Expand your vocabulary by exploring synonyms for “according to” in Spanish. This will make your language more expressive and diverse.
- Context matters: Consider the context in which you are speaking or writing to determine the appropriate level of formality or informality.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to confidently use “according to” in Spanish and effectively convey information from different sources.
Conclusion
Saying “according to” in Spanish can be expressed in formal and informal ways, depending on the context. By mastering phrases like “según” and “de acuerdo con” for formal situations, as well as “según dice” and “conforme a” for informal contexts, you’ll be able to express yourself accurately and with ease. Remember to be mindful of regional variations, pay attention to proper word order, and practice your language skills regularly. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
