Spanish · C2 · Family moment
One Problem, One Clear Conversation in Spanish
This guide focuses on maintaining clear boundaries by separating practical parental support from a child's personal choices and feelings. By using explicit topic-framing clauses, parents can validate their child's agency while being clear about where their own help begins and ends.
What you'll learn
- Master topic-framing structures using 'En lo que respecta a' and 'En cuanto a'.
- Distinguish between providing practical help and overstepping into the child's social or personal domain.
- Use formal yet supportive phrasing to set conversational boundaries.
Spanish phrases for one problem, one clear conversation
En lo que respecta a vuestro conflicto, puedo ayudarte a encontrar las palabras, pero no voy a transmitir mensajes hirientes entre vosotros.
As far as your argument is concerned, I can help you find words, but I will not carry unkind messages between you.
Uses 'En lo que respecta a' for a precise, formal topic frame.
En cuanto a la cita de juegos de mañana, confirmaré la hora con el padre de tu amigo.
As for tomorrow's playdate, I will check the time with your friend's parent.
'En cuanto a' is a natural, versatile way to introduce a specific subject.
En lo que respecta a tu mochila, tú eliges el llavero y nosotros revisamos el contenido juntos.
As far as your school bag is concerned, you choose the key ring, and we check the contents together.
Separates the child's stylistic choice from the practical safety check.
En cuanto a la pregunta difícil de los deberes, primero entendamos qué es lo que pide.
As for the tricky homework question, let's first work out what it is asking.
Focuses the conversation on the immediate task.
En lo que respecta a la lectura en voz alta, puedes elegir si nos turnamos por frases o por páginas.
As far as reading aloud is concerned, you can choose whether we take turns by sentence or by page.
Offers agency within a structured activity.
En cuanto a tu club de fútbol, hablaré con el entrenador sobre el horario, no decidiré quiénes deben ser tus amigos.
As for your football club, I will speak to the coach about the timetable, not decide who your friends should be.
Clarifies the scope of parental intervention.
En lo que respecta a tu paga, la elección entre ahorrar o comprar los cromos es tuya.
As far as your pocket money is concerned, the choice between saving and buying the stickers is yours.
Reinforces financial independence.
En cuanto a cómo te sentiste cuando te excluyeron, quiero escucharte antes de que intentemos resolver nada.
As for how you felt when you were left out, I want to listen before we try to solve anything.
Prioritizes emotional validation over immediate problem-solving.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
En lo que respecta a
As far as... is concerned
A formal framing device used to limit the scope of the statement to a specific topic.
En cuanto a
As for / Regarding
A very common and slightly less formal way to frame a topic than 'En lo que respecta a'.
Transmitir
To carry/convey
In this context, it refers to acting as a messenger.
Paga
Pocket money / Allowance
Standard term for the small amount of money given to children.
Topic Framing with 'En lo que respecta a' & 'En cuanto a'
These phrases create a 'topic frame' at the start of a sentence. This structure isolates a specific noun phrase or concept, signaling to the listener that the following information applies only to that specific topic. Unlike simple subjects, these phrases allow for a more distanced, analytical tone.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Frame | En lo que respecta a + [Noun Phrase] | En lo que respecta a la seguridad... |
| Standard Frame | En cuanto a + [Noun Phrase] | En cuanto a los planes... |
| Verbal Frame | En lo que respecta a + [Infinitive/Clause] | En lo que respecta a ahorrar... |
More examples
En lo que respecta al menú, yo decido la cena, pero tú puedes elegir el postre.
As far as the menu is concerned, I decide on dinner, but you can choose the dessert.
Clearly divides decision-making power.
En cuanto a la ropa para el colegio, mi única norma es que sea adecuada para el clima.
As for school clothes, my only rule is that they are suitable for the weather.
Uses the frame to introduce a specific boundary.
En lo que respecta a tus sentimientos, siempre estoy aquí para escuchar.
As far as your feelings are concerned, I am always here to listen.
Validates the emotional space without trying to 'fix' it immediately.