Spanish Phrase
¿Trato?
Meaning
A short, informal way to ask whether both parties have reached an agreement, essentially ‘Deal?’ or ‘Do we have a deal?’. It’s often used after negotiating price, terms, or any mutually beneficial arrangement.
When to use
Use it in casual or semi‑formal negotiations—at a market stall, when arranging a service, or even among friends when deciding on plans. It signals that you’re ready to seal the agreement.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Trato?
Noun as Question
‘Trato’ is a masculine noun meaning ‘deal’ or ‘agreement’; when used alone with question marks it asks if a deal has been reached.
Ellipsis
The phrase is an ellipsis of a longer sentence such as ‘¿Hacemos trato?’ or ‘¿Quedamos en trato?’
Pronunciation of ‘Trato’
The initial ‘t’ is dental, the ‘r’ is a tapped alveolar /ɾ/, and the stress falls on the first syllable.
🗨In Conversation
¿Trato?
Deal?
Sí, queda hecho.
Yes, it’s a deal.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Trato? (intended as ‘Do you try?’)
Do not confuse the noun ‘trato’ (deal) with the verb ‘tratar’ (to try or to treat).
¿Trato tú?
Adding a subject makes the phrase ungrammatical; the noun does not need a verb.
¿Trato con el vendedor?
If you want to use the verb, say ‘¿Trato con…?’ meaning ‘Do I deal with…?’, which is a different meaning.
↔Alternatives
¿Hacemos trato?
Shall we make a deal?
¿Quedamos?
Are we set?
¿Lo cerramos?
Shall we close it?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking markets and informal business settings, bargaining is expected. Dropping the verb and asking simply ‘¿Trato?’ shows confidence and a willingness to finalize quickly. Be aware that in very formal contexts a full sentence (e.g., ‘¿Le parece bien si llegamos a un acuerdo?’) is preferred.