acuerdo

Acuerdo is a Spanish noun meaning an understanding or arrangement reached by two or more parties. It can refer to the outcome of negotiation, a formal decision adopted by a deliberative body, or a written document that records such consensus. In everyday language it is common to say “llegar a un acuerdo” or “firmar un acuerdo.”

The term comes from the verb acordar, which in turn derives from Latin roots associated with bringing things into accord. In usage, acuerdo emphasizes the result of an agreement rather than the process of bargaining itself.

In legal, administrative, and international contexts, an acuerdo often denotes a formal resolution or decision issued by a council, ministry, company board, or international body. Some acuerdos are binding in law or contract terms, while others express political commitments or recommended actions. In international law, the more formal and binding instruments are usually called treaties or conventions, but many interstate understandings are also labeled acuerdos.

Common types include acuerdo marco (framework agreement), acuerdo comercial (trade agreement), acuerdo de confidencialidad (nondisclosure agreement), and acuerdo de paz (peace agreement). Public bodies may adopt acuerdos to regulate procedures or establish policies, sometimes referred to as the pleno or council’s acuerdo.

Related terms include convenio, pacto, tratado, contrato, and trato. The choice among them depends on formality, enforceability, and jurisdiction.