Reunión vs. encuentro vs. cita
While the Spanish words reunión, encuentro, and cita can all be translated as meeting in English, they are not interchangeable. Each word carries a different nuance related to formality, purpose, and whether the event was planned or spontaneous.
Reunión
A2A reunión refers to a planned gathering of a group of people, usually with a specific purpose or agenda. It is the most common word for a formal or professional meeting, such as in a business, academic, or organizational context. It can also be used for a planned family gathering.
Tengo una reunión de trabajo a las tres de la tarde.
(I have a work meeting at three in the afternoon.)
La reunión de la junta directiva se pospuso para el viernes.
(The board of directors' meeting was postponed until Friday.)
Mañana tenemos la reunión de padres y maestros en la escuela.
(Tomorrow we have the parent-teacher conference at the school.)
Vamos a organizar una reunión familiar para Navidad.
(We are going to organize a family gathering for Christmas.)
Encuentro
B1An encuentro is a more versatile term. It can describe a planned meeting, but often implies a less formal, more social, or even spontaneous gathering. It can also mean a chance encounter, a confrontation, a summit between leaders, or a sports match.
Fue un encuentro casual, no lo veía desde la universidad.
(It was a chance encounter, I hadn't seen him since university.)
El encuentro de fútbol entre España y Brasil fue emocionante.
(The soccer match between Spain and Brazil was exciting.)
Los amigos tuvieron un encuentro en un bar para ponerse al día.
(The friends had a get-together at a bar to catch up.)
El encuentro entre los dos presidentes fue cubierto por toda la prensa.
(The meeting between the two presidents was covered by all the press.)
Cita
A2A cita is a scheduled appointment or a date. It is always planned and involves a specific time and place, typically between two people or with a professional service. It is the correct word for a doctor's appointment or a romantic date.
Tengo una cita con el dentista mañana por la mañana.
(I have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow morning.)
Carlos está muy nervioso por su primera cita con Ana.
(Carlos is very nervous about his first date with Ana.)
Para ver al abogado, es necesario concertar una cita previa.
(To see the lawyer, it is necessary to make a prior appointment.)
Llegué tarde a mi cita en la peluquería.
(I arrived late to my appointment at the hair salon.)
Summary
In essence, use reunión for a formal, planned meeting with an agenda (e.g., at work). Use encuentro for a broader range of meetings, including chance encounters, informal get-togethers, or even sports matches. Use cita specifically for a scheduled appointment with a professional (like a doctor) or for a romantic date.