negociar
/neɡoˈθjaɾ/
To negotiate in Spanish is negociar.
The verb negociar is a transitive verb used to describe the act of arranging a mutual agreement. When you are negotiating with a specific person or group, you must use the preposition con after the verb, forming the phrase negociar con.
Meaning: arrange a mutual agreement (transitive) (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form for the act of negotiating is negociación, and the past participle is negociado.
How do you pronounce it?
/neɡoˈθjaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word negociar comes from the Latin negōtium, which literally means 'not leisure' by combining nec for 'not' and ōtium for 'leisure'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a successful negociación is rarely a quick transaction. It is often preceded by extensive social ritual and informal conversation to build trust before any business is actually discussed.
- While negociar describes formal agreements, Spanish speakers use the specific verb regatear for the act of haggling over prices in a market.
Examples in context
- No estoy dispuesto a negociarlo.I am unwilling to negotiate.This sentence shows how to use the verb with an object.Tatoeba #7586980 by arh, translation #7919993 by fpp
- El comandante se rehusó a negociar.The commander refused to negotiate.This sentence shows a refusal to engage in negotiation.Tatoeba #1324652 by marcelostockle, translation #807237 by Source_VOA
- Los extremistas rechazaron negociar.The extremists refused to negotiate.Tatoeba #856489 by Rafp, translation #807272 by Source_VOA
- Estamos negociando los términos del contrato.We are negotiating the terms of the contract.
- Esperamos que podamos llegar a un acuerdo beneficioso.We hope we can reach a beneficial agreement.
- Fue divertido regatear el precio del recuerdo en el mercado.It was fun bargaining the price of the souvenir at the market.
- Voy a hacer tratos con el vendedor para obtener un mejor precio.I'm going to make deals with the seller to get a better price.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing their new apartment lease.
- ElenaTenemos que negociar el precio del alquiler.We have to negotiate the rent price.
- DanielTienes razón, Daniel cree que es muy caro.You are right, Daniel thinks it is too expensive.
- Elena¿Crees que el dueño quiera negociar con nosotros?Do you think the landlord would want to negotiate with us?
- DanielSí, podemos intentar negociar un contrato más largo.Yes, we can try to negotiate a longer contract.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “negotiate” translations and entries negociar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries negociar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
