In 15 Seconds
- Connects two related ideas or topics clearly.
- Best for professional emails, meetings, and reports.
- Acts as a formal version of 'about' or 'regarding'.
Meaning
Think of this phrase as a verbal bridge. It connects one topic to another, showing how they are linked or relevant to each other.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
En relación con el presupuesto, tenemos que hacer algunos ajustes.
In relation to the budget, we need to make some adjustments.
Texting a friend about a plan
En relación con lo de este finde, ¿a qué hora quedamos?
Regarding the thing this weekend, what time are we meeting?
Writing a formal email
Le escribo en relación con su solicitud de empleo.
I am writing to you in relation to your job application.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the importance of 'registro' (register) in Spanish culture. Using precise connectors is a sign of 'buena educación' (good upbringing/education). It is particularly prevalent in the 'burocracia' (bureaucracy) of Spain and Latin America, where formal language is a standard requirement for official matters.
The 'Con' vs 'A' Debate
You might hear 'en relación a', but purists and the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) prefer 'en relación con'. Use 'con' to sound more educated.
Don't Over-Formalize
If you're just asking for a beer, don't say 'En relación con la cerveza'. It sounds like you're about to sue the bartender!
In 15 Seconds
- Connects two related ideas or topics clearly.
- Best for professional emails, meetings, and reports.
- Acts as a formal version of 'about' or 'regarding'.
What It Means
En relación con is your go-to connector for linking ideas. It functions just like saying "regarding" or "concerning" in English. It tells your listener that what you are about to say is tied to the previous topic. It’s like pointing a finger at a specific subject to keep the conversation organized. You aren't just talking; you are building a logical structure.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to introduce a specific point of reference. Place it right before the noun or concept you want to address. For example, if you are discussing a trip, you might say en relación con el hotel. It acts as a formal anchor for your sentence. It helps you avoid sounding scattered or disorganized. Use it when you need to be precise about what you are commenting on.
When To Use It
This phrase shines in professional and academic settings. It is perfect for emails, business meetings, or writing reports. You will also hear it in news broadcasts or legal contexts. However, you can use it with friends when discussing something serious. Imagine you are explaining a complex situation, like a lease agreement or a wedding plan. It adds a touch of clarity and authority to your speech. It makes you sound like you have your thoughts in order.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in super casual, high-speed slang sessions. If you are just asking a friend for a taco, it’s too heavy. Don't use it for physical proximity or distance. For example, don't use it to say a house is "near" another house. It is for conceptual relationships, not physical ones. Also, avoid overusing it in a single paragraph. It can start to sound repetitive and overly bureaucratic if you aren't careful.
Cultural Background
Spanish culture values eloquent and structured communication, especially in writing. Using connectors like en relación con shows you are educated and respectful. It stems from a long tradition of formal Spanish rhetoric. While modern Spanish is becoming more direct, these "linkers" remain essential. They provide a sense of flow that is highly prized in the Spanish-speaking world. It’s the difference between a rough sketch and a polished painting.
Common Variations
You will often hear con respecto a as a direct synonym. Another common one is en lo que respecta a, which is slightly more formal. If you want to be a bit more concise, you can use sobre. In very formal writing, you might see en lo referente a. Each one shifts the tone slightly, but they all serve the same purpose. They keep your conversation on track and your listener engaged.
Usage Notes
This phrase is a marker of formal or neutral register. While grammatically solid, using it too often in casual conversation can make you sound a bit stiff or 'robotic'.
The 'Con' vs 'A' Debate
You might hear 'en relación a', but purists and the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) prefer 'en relación con'. Use 'con' to sound more educated.
Don't Over-Formalize
If you're just asking for a beer, don't say 'En relación con la cerveza'. It sounds like you're about to sue the bartender!
The Bureaucracy Key
In Spain, if you're dealing with government paperwork (the 'Hacienda'), using this phrase makes you sound like you know the system.
Examples
6En relación con el presupuesto, tenemos que hacer algunos ajustes.
In relation to the budget, we need to make some adjustments.
Sets a clear topic for the following statement.
En relación con lo de este finde, ¿a qué hora quedamos?
Regarding the thing this weekend, what time are we meeting?
Slightly formal for a text, but useful for clarity.
Le escribo en relación con su solicitud de empleo.
I am writing to you in relation to your job application.
Standard opening for professional correspondence.
En relación con mi dieta, he decidido que el chocolate es una verdura.
In relation to my diet, I've decided that chocolate is a vegetable.
Uses formal language for a humorous, absurd claim.
En relación con lo que dijiste ayer, me sentí un poco triste.
In relation to what you said yesterday, I felt a bit sad.
Helps pinpoint the exact cause of an emotion.
¿Tiene alguna duda en relación con las normas de la piscina?
Do you have any questions in relation to the pool rules?
Used by staff to provide clear service information.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
No tengo ninguna información en relación ___ ese tema.
The standard phrase is always 'en relación con'. While 'en relación a' is sometimes used, 'con' is the grammatically preferred version.
Complete the formal sentence.
___ relación con su queja, estamos investigando lo sucedido.
The expression starts with 'En' to establish the context of the relationship between the two ideas.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'About'
Talking to friends about dinner.
Sobre lo de la cena...
General discussions or explanations.
Con respecto a la cena...
Business meetings or official emails.
En relación con la cena...
Legal documents or academic papers.
En lo referente a la cena...
Where to use 'En relación con'
Job Interview
En relación con mi experiencia...
Customer Service
En relación con su pedido...
Serious Talk
En relación con nuestro futuro...
Academic Paper
En relación con la teoría...
Practice Bank
2 exercisesNo tengo ninguna información en relación ___ ese tema.
The standard phrase is always 'en relación con'. While 'en relación a' is sometimes used, 'con' is the grammatically preferred version.
___ relación con su queja, estamos investigando lo sucedido.
The expression starts with 'En' to establish the context of the relationship between the two ideas.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsIt means 'in relation to' or 'regarding'. It's used to link a specific subject to the rest of your sentence, like in En relación con el contrato....
Both are used, but en relación con is considered the most correct and formal version by the RAE. En relación a is common but sometimes frowned upon in very formal writing.
Yes, if you're discussing something specific or serious. For example, En relación con lo que hablamos ayer... is fine for clarifying a previous conversation.
It's neutral-to-formal. It's not weird to use it, but it's definitely more structured than just saying sobre (about).
Common synonyms include con respecto a, acerca de, and en lo referente a. Sobre is the most casual alternative.
No, relación is a feminine noun, but the phrase en relación con is fixed and never changes, regardless of what follows it.
Absolutely! It's very common to start a sentence with it to set the topic, such as En relación con tu pregunta, no lo sé.
It is used universally across all Spanish-speaking countries, especially in professional and media contexts.
A common mistake is forgetting the con or using de instead. Always remember: en relación CON.
Acerca de also means 'about', but en relación con implies a stronger logical link or comparison between two things.
Yes, it is extremely common in legal documents to reference specific laws or articles, like en relación con el artículo 5.
Related Phrases
Con respecto a
With respect to / regarding
En lo que respecta a
As far as ... is concerned
Acerca de
About / concerning
En lo referente a
In reference to
