contrato
/konˈtɾato/masculine
The Spanish word for 'contract' is contrato. Wiktionary also lists contracto.
Meaning: agreement that is legally binding (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| contrato | /konˈtɾato/ | masculine |
| contracto | /kontɾaɡto/ (from spelling rules) | archaic, masculine |
contrato refers to a legally binding agreement. To express the action of entering into a contract, it is most common to use the phrase firmar un contrato, which means 'to sign a contract'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
contrato is a masculine noun. Because it is masculine, it requires masculine articles such as el (the) or un (a).
How do you pronounce it?
/konˈtɾato/
Did you know?
- The verb contratar is used not only for legal agreements but is the primary word for 'hiring' an employee. While English distinguishes between signing a 'contract' and 'hiring' a person, Spanish uses the same root for both.
- In certain Latin American countries, a formal written 'contrato' may be replaced in daily life by a 'trato', which refers to an informal deal or arrangement made between people.
- A contrato de palabra is a verbal agreement. Despite the legal weight of the written contrato, these oral contracts are culturally significant and historically held strong social weight in many Spanish-speaking rural communities.
Examples in context
- Se firmó el contrato.The contract was signed.This sentence shows how to use contrato in a passive construction.Tatoeba #2055534 by Shishir, translation #2047559 by halfb1t
- Él firmó el contrato.He signed the contract.This sentence shows a subject signing the contrato.Tatoeba #13457576 by Seael, translation #8795516 by Amastan
- No está en mi contrato.It's not in my contract.This sentence shows how to mention something that is not included in the contrato.Tatoeba #1638694 by marcelostockle, translation #1636258 by Spamster
- Firma este contrato para formalizar nuestros acuerdos comerciales.Sign this contract to formalize our business agreements.
- El acuerdo establece los términos del contrato.The agreement establishes the terms of the contract.
- Firmamos un convenio para garantizar nuestro compromiso mutuo.We signed a contract to ensure our mutual commitment.
- ¿Has leído el contrato del nuevo trabajo?Have you read the contract for the new job?
- Hicimos un trato de palabra, sin necesidad de firmar un contrato.We made a verbal agreement without the need to sign a contract.
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing a new job offer in an office.
- María¿Ya leíste el contrato, Mateo?Have you read the contract yet, Mateo?
- MateoSí, María, ya lo terminé de leer.Yes, María, I have finished reading it.
- María¿Te parece que el contrato es justo?Do you think the contract is fair?
- MateoSí, parece muy profesional.Yes, it looks very professional.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “contract” translations and entries contrato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
