Inklingo
← Dictionary

abrochar

ah-bro-CHAR/aβɾoˈtʃaɾ/

“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

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

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

present

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

indicative

preterite

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

imperfect

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

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesabrochan
yoabrocho
túabrochas
vosotrosabrocháis
nosotrosabrochamos
él/ella/ustedabrocha
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

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

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.