tratos

Tratos is the plural of trato in Spanish and Portuguese, and it covers several related senses related to how people are treated and how agreements are formed. In everyday language, trato refers to conduct or treatment, as in the way someone is treated or the manner of behaving toward others. It also appears in phrases about social interactions, such as un trato cordial or malos tratos, the latter used in contexts of abuse or mistreatment.

In a commercial or negotiation context, trato can mean a deal or agreement, with common expressions such as hacer un trato or cerrar un trato, meaning to make or close a deal. The plural form, tratos, then refers to multiple interactions or agreements of this kind.

Etymology and distinction: trato derives from Latin tractus and entered Spanish and Portuguese with senses tied to handling, dealing, and conduct. A key distinction is that, in international and formal law, the standard term for formal agreements between states is tratado (plural tratados). Therefore, tratos generally refers to informal or interpersonal deals, not formal treaties.

Usage notes: Malos tratos is a recognized phrase in human rights, social work, and domestic violence contexts to denote mistreatment. Expressions such as trato igualitario or trato digno emphasize standards of fair and respectful treatment.

In summary, tratos encompasses both interpersonal conduct and informal negotiations, while formal international accords are usually labeled tratados rather than tratos.