relación
/relaˈθjon/feminine
The English phrase relationship can be translated into Spanish as relación. If unsure, use relación. Wiktionary also lists noviazgo.
Meaning: romantic or sexual involvement (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| relación | /relaˈθjon/ /relaˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| noviazgo | /noˈbjaθɡo/ /noˈbjasɡo/ |
The term relación is used to describe a relationship, including romantic or sexual involvement, but it also applies to non-romantic connections like professional or familial relationships. If you want to express the concept of a relationship in a formal context, you might use the word vínculo. In a more colloquial setting, especially among younger generations, the word rollo is used to refer to a romantic relationship or an affair.
Which one should you use?
While relación is a general term for any relationship, noviazgo specifically refers to the courtship or dating period, such as the state of being boyfriend/girlfriend or being engaged.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of relación is relaciones.
How do you pronounce it?
/relaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- If you are in a casual or undefined romantic situation, you might say you have 'un lío' instead of 'una relación', which literally translates to 'a mess'.
- The word novio can mean both 'boyfriend' and 'groom', meaning the word for a romantic partner changes meaning entirely during a wedding ceremony.
- In some Latin American cultures, the transition from noviazgo to marriage is traditionally marked by a formal request to the parents, rather than just asking the partner.
Examples in context
- No estoy buscando una relación.I'm not looking for a relationship.This sentence is useful for expressing that one is not currently looking for a relación.Tatoeba #2984236 by hayastan, translation #2540099 by CK
- Sami dejó su relación con Layla.Sami abandoned his relationship with Layla.This sentence is useful for describing someone leaving a relación.Tatoeba #7014524 by Eremon, translation #6132698 by OsoHombre
- Tom no está buscando una relación.Tom isn't looking for a relationship.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is not looking for a relación.Tatoeba #1658462 by hayastan, translation #1649112 by Spamster
- Tenemos una buena relación laboral.We have a good working relationship.
- La relación entre los países es diplomática.The relationship between the countries is diplomatic.
- Mantener una relación cordial es importante.Maintaining a cordial relationship is important.
- La empresa tiene un vínculo estrecho con sus clientes.The company has a close relationship with its clients.
- Los hermanos tienen un vínculo familiar muy sólido.The siblings have a very strong familial bond.
- La doctora trata de establecer un vínculo empático con sus pacientes.The doctor tries to establish an empathetic relationship with her patients.
- Tienen un rollo amoroso desde hace varios meses.They have had a romantic relationship for several months.
- ¿Estás buscando un rollo o algo más serio?Are you looking for a fling or something more serious?
- Llevamos casi dos años de noviazgo.We've been in a relationship for almost two years.
- Ana y Pedro anunciaron su noviazgo durante la cena familiar.Ana and Pedro announced their relationship during the family dinner.
- Tenemos una linda amistad, pero también hay algo más.We have a lovely friendship, but there's also something more.
- Ellos empezaron como amigos y su amistad se convirtió en amor.They started as friends and their friendship turned into love.
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their love lives at a cafe.
- Javier¿Cómo va tu relación con Carlos?How is your relationship with Carlos going?
- SofíaTodo va muy bien, estamos felices.Everything is going very well, we are happy.
- JavierMe alegro mucho por ti, Sofía.I am very happy for you, Sofía.
- SofíaGracias, Javier, es una etapa bonita.Thanks, Javier, it is a beautiful stage.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “relationship” translations and entries relación, noviazgo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
