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negocio means business — a common term in Spanish for Business. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: March 21, 2026

💼 Spanish for Business

negocio

noun • /[ne-GO-syo]/

business

Example:

Su negocio tiene éxito.

His business is successful.

🧠 What does negocio mean?

Negocio is a versatile Spanish noun referring to a commercial enterprise or activity, encompassing the concept of business in its broadest sense. It can denote a company, a firm, a store, a shop, or a specific transaction. The term is widely used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing commerce, trade, and economic ventures. It implies an organized effort to provide goods or services to customers in exchange for profit. The success of a negocio often depends on various factors, including market demand, effective management, and sound financial strategies.

📚 Extra examples

  • Abrir un nuevo negocio requiere una inversión considerable de tiempo y dinero.
    Opening a new business requires a considerable investment of time and money.
  • El negocio familiar ha estado en funcionamiento por tres generaciones.
    The family business has been in operation for three generations.
  • Están buscando expandir su negocio a mercados internacionales.
    They are looking to expand their business into international markets.
  • Tengo una cita para discutir los detalles del negocio.
    I have a meeting to discuss the business details.
  • Ese tipo de transacción no es un negocio rentable.
    That type of transaction is not a profitable business.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'negocio' comes from the Latin word 'negotium', which is a combination of 'nec' (not) and 'otium' (leisure or idleness). This etymology suggests that business is something that keeps one busy and away from leisure.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "negocio"

Synonyms: empresa, comercio, actividad comercial, transacción, firma, establecimiento
Opposites: pérdida, fracaso, quiebra

🔍 See more spanish for business words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'business' in Spanish?
The most common and direct translation for 'business' in Spanish is 'negocio'.
How do you pronounce 'negocio' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of 'negocio' is neh-GO-see-oh. The stress is on the second syllable, 'GO'.
How do you use 'negocio' in a sentence?
'Negocio' can be used to refer to a company, a specific deal, or the general concept of commerce. For example: 'Ella tiene un negocio exitoso.' (She has a successful business.) or 'Cerramos un buen negocio hoy.' (We closed a good deal today.)
What is the English translation of 'negocio'?
The primary English translation of 'negocio' is 'business'.
Does 'negocio' change for gender or number?
'Negocio' is a masculine singular noun. Its plural form is 'negocios', meaning 'businesses' or 'deals'.
Is 'negocio' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'negocio' is a very common word in everyday Spanish, used in both personal and professional contexts when discussing commercial activities or enterprises.
Does 'negocio' have slang or double meanings?
While 'negocio' itself is a standard term, in some informal contexts, 'hacer un negocio' can imply making a deal, sometimes with a slightly less formal or even a slightly sly connotation, but it is not inherently slang.
Is 'negocio' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning of 'negocio' as 'business' is consistent across Spain and Latin America. Regional variations might exist in specific idiomatic expressions, but the fundamental usage remains the same.

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