Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| negocio | /neˈɡoθjo/ /neˈɡosjo/ |
masculine |
| empresa | /emˈpɾesa/ | feminine |
| negociado | /neɡoˈθjado/ /neɡoˈsjado/ |
masculine |
| bisnes | /ˈbisnes/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe a commercial enterprise, establishment or a specific transaction and deal.
Which one should you use?
While negocio often refers to a small business or a specific deal, empresa is the preferred term for a more formal company or corporation. Negocio can refer to both a commercial establishment and a specific transaction or deal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Peru, the colloquial term chamba is used to mean job or work. In Spain, sociedad or sociedad mercantil can be used to refer to a business or company.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of negocio is negocios, and the plural form of empresa is empresas.
How do you pronounce it?
/neˈɡoθjo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use negociado to mean business. Although it looks similar to the English word negotiate, it is actually the past participle meaning negotiated.
Did you know?
- While 'business' in English often implies activity or preoccupation, the Spanish negocio comes from the Latin negōtium, which originally meant 'not at leisure'.
- While empresa means 'company', it can also mean 'undertaking' or 'task', often referring to a daring or difficult feat.
- In some contexts, saying someone is en sus negocios can imply they are minding their own business in a dismissive or cold manner.
Examples in context
- Este es mi negocio.This is my business.This sentence shows how to identify one's own business using negocio.Tatoeba #4329283 by pchamorro, translation #2647582 by CK
- ¿Cómo va el negocio?How's business?This question is a way to ask how a business is performing using negocio.Tatoeba #1279970 by marcelostockle, translation #267432 by CK
- El negocio es lento.Business is slow.This sentence describes the pace of a business using negocio.Tatoeba #4781124 by DarkHollow, translation #237948 by CK
- Me gustaría invertir en un negocio en España.I would like to invest in a business in Spain.
- Mi padre trabaja en una empresa de tecnología.My father works in a technology company.
- Él es el dueño de una compañía de transporte.He is the owner of a transportation company.
- 192 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing her new shop.
- DanielFelicidades por tu nuevo negocio.Congratulations on your new business.
- MaríaMuchas gracias, Daniel.Thank you very much, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Es un negocio grande?Is it a large business?
- MaríaNo, es un negocio pequeño.No, it is a small business.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “business” translations and entries negocio, empresa, negociado, bisnes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bisnes, empresa, negocio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
