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abrochar

ah-bro-CHARaβɾoˈtʃaɾ

“abrochar” means “to fasten” in Spanish (general use for clothing or belts).

to fasten, to button up

Also: to buckle
VerbA2regular ar
A close-up of a hand fastening a large, round red button on a bright blue jacket.
gerundabrochando
past Participleabrochado
infinitiveabrochar

📝 In Action

Abrocha tu chaqueta, que hace frío.

A1

Button up your jacket; it's cold.

Por favor, abróchense los cinturones de seguridad.

A2

Please, fasten your seatbelts.

No puedo abrocharme este vestido yo sola.

B1

I can't zip/fasten this dress by myself.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • abotonar (to button)
  • ajustar (to adjust/tighten)

Antonyms

  • desabrochar (to unfasten)
  • desabotonar (to unbutton)

Common Collocations

  • abrochar el cinturón – to fasten the seatbelt
  • abrochar los botones – to do up the buttons
  • abrocharse la camisa – to button up one's shirt

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoabrochara
túabrocharas
él/ella/ustedabrochara
nosotrosabrocháramos
vosotrosabrocharais
ellos/ellas/ustedesabrocharan

Present Subjunctive

yoabroche
túabroches
él/ella/ustedabroche
nosotrosabrochemos
vosotrosabrochéis
ellos/ellas/ustedesabrochen

Indicative

Preterite

yoabroché
túabrochaste
él/ella/ustedabrochó
nosotrosabrochamos
vosotrosabrochasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesabrocharon

Imperfect

yoabrochaba
túabrochabas
él/ella/ustedabrochaba
nosotrosabrochábamos
vosotrosabrochabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesabrochaban

Present

yoabrocho
túabrochas
él/ella/ustedabrocha
nosotrosabrochamos
vosotrosabrocháis
ellos/ellas/ustedesabrochan
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "abrochar" in Spanish:

to buckle→to fasten→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: abrochar

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'Fasten your seatbelts' (plural/formal)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
desabrochar(to unfasten) — Verb
broche(clasp or brooch) — Noun
abrochado(fastened/buttoned) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the word 'broche' (clasp), which comes from Old French 'broche'. It originally referred to a pointed tool or a decorative pin used to hold clothes together.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: embrocherEnglish: brooch

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'abrochar' for shoelaces?

Generally, no. For shoelaces, we use 'atar' (to tie) or 'amarrar'. Use 'abrochar' if the shoe has a buckle or a strap.

Is 'abrochar' only for buttons?

No, it's used for buttons, zippers (sometimes), buckles, seatbelts, and any type of clasp that secures clothing or gear.

What is the difference between 'abrochar' and 'abotonar'?

'Abotonar' specifically refers to buttons. 'Abrochar' is a broader term that includes buttons, buckles, and clips.