atado
/ah-TAH-doh/
tied
Atado (Tied): Physically secured with rope or string.
atado(adjective)
tied
?physically secured with rope or string
,bound
?fastened or wrapped
bundled
?grouped together
,fastened
?secured
📝 In Action
El paquete llegó atado con una cuerda roja.
A2The package arrived tied with a red string.
La puerta estaba atada con una cadena.
B1The door was fastened with a chain.
Necesito desatar las cajas; están todas atadas.
B1I need to untie the boxes; they are all bundled together.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'atado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'atada' (feminine singular), 'atados' (masculine plural), 'atadas' (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'
Mistake: "El paquete es atado."
Correction: El paquete está atado. (Use 'estar' because being 'tied' is a temporary state or condition.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Passive Voice Helper
'Atado' is often used to describe the result of an action, like a passive phrase: 'The dog was tied' becomes 'El perro estaba atado'.
Atado (Shy): Socially reserved or timid.
atado(adjective)
shy
?socially reserved or timid
,tongue-tied
?unable to speak easily due to nervousness
restricted
?unable to act freely due to circumstances
📝 In Action
Cuando conoció a la jefa, se sintió muy atado y no dijo nada.
B2When he met the boss, he felt very tongue-tied and didn't say anything.
No puedo ayudarte con eso, estoy atado por el contrato.
C1I can't help you with that, I'm restricted by the contract.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with 'Estar'
This meaning almost always uses the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary emotional state or a current restriction, not a permanent characteristic.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Tied' Feeling
Think of this meaning as feeling so nervous or restricted that your tongue or hands are 'tied,' preventing you from acting naturally.
Atado (Tied): The action completed, often used with 'haber' to form perfect tenses. (e.g., I have tied).
📝 In Action
Hemos atado el bote al muelle antes de la tormenta.
A2We have tied the boat to the dock before the storm.
¿Ya habías atado los zapatos cuando saliste?
B1Had you already tied your shoes when you left?
💡 Grammar Points
Forming Perfect Tenses
'Atado' is the part of the verb used with 'haber' (to have) to describe actions completed in the past, such as 'he atado' (I have tied).
It Stays the Same
When used with 'haber' to form a compound tense, 'atado' never changes its ending (it stays 'atado') regardless of who did the action or if the subject is masculine or feminine.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: atado
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'atado' in the figurative sense of being shy or restricted?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'atado' is a verb form or an adjective?
If it is used with the verb 'haber' (like 'he atado'), it is the verb form and never changes its ending. If it is used with 'ser' or 'estar' (like 'está atada'), it is an adjective and must change its ending (o/a/os/as) to match the person or thing it describes.
Does 'atado de manos' only mean physically having your hands tied?
No, it's a very common idiom meaning you are unable to act or help due to rules, circumstances, or lack of authority. It means you are 'restricted' or 'powerless' to intervene.