Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Compromise in Spanish: Acuerdo
Acuerdo · noun · ah-KWEHR-doh
Acuerdo is the standard Spanish translation for compromise in the sense of a mutual agreement where each side makes concessions. Compromiso is a false cognate meaning commitment or obligation.
ah-KWEHR-doh
Después de mucho discutir, llegamos a un acuerdo.
After much discussion, we reached a compromise.
Compromise in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for compromise, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| acuerdo | compromise | ah-KWEHR-doh | Default, widely understood |
| solución intermedia | compromise | middle-ground solution | |
| concesión mutua | compromise | formal, mutual concession |
How Native Speakers Use Acuerdo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Negotiation
Ambas partes hicieron concesiones para llegar a un acuerdo.
Both parties made concessions to reach a compromise.
Describing a successful negotiation.
Relationship
En toda relación hay que buscar una solución intermedia.
In every relationship you have to look for a compromise.
Giving relationship advice.
Workplace
El jefe propuso un acuerdo que satisface a los dos departamentos.
The boss proposed a compromise that satisfies both departments.
Resolving an interdepartmental disagreement.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Acuerdo
Using compromiso for compromise
Incorrect: Llegamos a un compromiso después de la discusión.
Correct: Llegamos a un acuerdo después de la discusión.
Compromiso is a classic false cognate — it means commitment or obligation in Spanish, not compromise. For a mutual agreement with concessions, use acuerdo.
Translating 'to compromise' as comprometer
Incorrect: Vamos a comprometer sobre el precio.
Correct: Vamos a llegar a un acuerdo sobre el precio.
Comprometer means to commit, obligate, or jeopardize — not to compromise. Use llegar a un acuerdo or hacer concesiones instead.
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See Acuerdo used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Compromise in Spanish
- How do you say 'compromise' in Spanish?
- The correct translation is acuerdo or solución intermedia, meaning a mutual agreement with concessions — importantly, compromiso is a false cognate that means commitment, not compromise.
- Why is compromiso a false cognate?
- Despite looking like 'compromise,' compromiso in Spanish means a commitment, obligation, or engagement (like a wedding engagement), which can cause serious misunderstandings in negotiations.
- How do you say 'to reach a compromise'?
- The standard phrase is llegar a un acuerdo, which captures the idea of both sides meeting in the middle through mutual concessions.