Inklingo
← Dictionary

asociar

ah-so-sy-ahrasoˈsjaɾ

“asociar” means “to associate” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

to associate

Also: to link, to connect
VerbB1regular ar
A colorful illustration of a lightbulb and a gear being connected by a dotted line.
gerundasociando
past Participleasociado
infinitiveasociar

📝 In Action

Mucha gente asocia el color rojo con el amor.

A2

Many people associate the color red with love.

Es difícil asociar este nombre con esa persona.

B1

It is difficult to associate this name with that person.

Los científicos asocian el tabaquismo con varias enfermedades.

B2

Scientists link smoking with several diseases.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • disociar (to dissociate)
  • separar (to separate)

Common Collocations

  • asociar con algo – to associate with something
  • asociar libremente – to associate freely (psychology)

to partner

Also: to pool, to admit
VerbB2regular arformal
Two people in professional attire shaking hands to symbolize a partnership.
gerundasociando
past Participleasociado
infinitiveasociar

📝 In Action

Decidieron asociar sus capitales para abrir el restaurante.

B2

They decided to pool their capital to open the restaurant.

La organización quiere asociar a más voluntarios este año.

B2

The organization wants to bring in more volunteers this year.

Es beneficioso asociar esfuerzos para lograr el éxito.

C1

It is beneficial to join forces to achieve success.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • aliar (to ally)
  • unir (to unite)

Antonyms

  • desvincular (to detach/disconnect)

Common Collocations

  • asociar esfuerzos – to join forces
  • asociar capitales – to pool capital

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoasociara
túasociaras
él/ella/ustedasociara
nosotrosasociáramos
vosotrosasociarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesasociaran

Present Subjunctive

yoasocie
túasocies
él/ella/ustedasocie
nosotrosasociemos
vosotrosasociéis
ellos/ellas/ustedesasocien

Indicative

Preterite

yoasocié
túasociaste
él/ella/ustedasoció
nosotrosasociamos
vosotrosasociasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesasociaron

Imperfect

yoasociaba
túasociabas
él/ella/ustedasociaba
nosotrosasociábamos
vosotrosasociabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesasociaban

Present

yoasocio
túasocias
él/ella/ustedasocia
nosotrosasociamos
vosotrosasociáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesasocian
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: asociar

Question 1 of 3

Which sentence correctly uses 'asociar' in a mental context?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
asociación(association) — Noun
asociado(associate / partner) — Noun
asociativo(associative) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From Latin 'associare', which combines 'ad-' (to/towards) and 'sociare' (to join or share), coming from 'socius' (companion).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: associateFrench: associerItalian: associare

💡 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

What is the difference between 'asociar' and 'asociarse'?

'Asociar' is when you link two things or people. 'Asociarse' is when you yourself join a group or become someone's partner.

Does 'asociar' always need the word 'con'?

Almost always! When connecting two ideas or things, 'con' is the bridge that links them in Spanish.

Is 'asociar' a formal word?

It can be used in everyday speech for mental links, but it is very common and appropriate in formal business and academic settings too.