Relato or historia?

Question

Which is more commonly used for "story?" Do all Spanish speakers recognize "relato?"

Answer 1

Thank you all for your answers. I am not at all disturbed about Spanish synonyms. Nevertheless, I live in Florida where there are a variety of hispanic speakers and I've discovered that not all words are equal in everyone's mind.

Answer 2

"Historia" is a bit more common; everybody -no exception- understands "relato". The former is closer to "story", while the latter is maybe closer to "tale". Do all English speakers know the word "tale"?

Why are you so curious every time you find two similar words in Spanish? Do you find the existence of synonyms in other languages shocking? Disturbing, perhaps?

I take it you mean "you" in the generic sense, as in "why do people (in general) find that this is so? - Gekkosan, May 4, 2011

Answer 3

"Recontamiento" tambien. Estamos condenados sin duda.

Answer 4

What about cuento?

Oh no! Another synonym!! We are dooooomed!!!! - lazarus1907, May 4, 2011

Answer 5

You use "relato" for tale, narration. A story is historia, although relato can be used also, and yes, it will be understood.