conectar
/koh-nek-TAR/
to connect
Conectar: To connect devices, wires, or systems.
conectar(verb)
to connect
?devices, wires, systems
,to link
?transport, routes
to plug in
?electronics
,to hook up
?informal
📝 In Action
¿Puedes conectar el teléfono al Wi-Fi?
A1Can you connect the phone to the Wi-Fi?
Esta carretera conecta la ciudad con el aeropuerto.
A2This highway links the city with the airport.
Conectaron todos los cables antes de encender la máquina.
B1They connected all the cables before turning on the machine.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -AR Verb
Conectar is a regular verb, meaning its endings follow the standard pattern for all verbs that end in -ar. Once you know the pattern, you can conjugate hundreds of verbs!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong preposition
Mistake: "Conectar con el internet."
Correction: Conectar a internet (or a la red). In Spanish, we usually use 'a' when connecting to a service or network.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the action
Remember 'conectar' means the act of joining two things. If you want to say something is connected, use the past participle 'conectado' (e.g., 'El teléfono está conectado').
Conectar: To connect (with) someone emotionally or socially.
conectar(verb)
to connect (with)
?emotionally, socially
,to bond
?forming a relationship
to relate to
?understanding someone's feelings
📝 In Action
Ella no pudo conectar con sus nuevos compañeros de trabajo.
B1She couldn't connect with her new coworkers.
El escritor conectó profundamente con los temas de la novela.
B2The writer connected deeply with the themes of the novel.
💡 Grammar Points
Needs 'CON'
When connecting with people emotionally, you almost always need the preposition 'con' (with): 'conectar con alguien' (to connect with someone).
Using the Reflexive Form
You can use the reflexive form 'conectarse' to emphasize that the connection is mutual or internal: 'Me conecto con mi hermano en temas de música' (I connect with my brother on music topics).
⭐ Usage Tips
Connecting with a feeling
This meaning is often used when someone feels understood or relates strongly to an idea, piece of art, or feeling.
Conectar: To link ideas, facts, or evidence together.
conectar(verb)
to link
?ideas, facts, evidence
to associate
?concepts
,to relate
?abstract data
📝 In Action
Es difícil conectar la falta de sueño con la pérdida de memoria.
B2It is difficult to link the lack of sleep with memory loss.
La investigación conecta el aumento de tráfico con la contaminación.
C1The research connects the increase in traffic with pollution.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Usage
In this abstract sense, 'conectar' often appears in passive constructions or formal statements, emphasizing the relationship between two concepts rather than the person doing the connecting.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: conectar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'conectar' in the sense of 'emotional bonding'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'conectar' and 'unir'?
'Conectar' usually implies establishing a functional link or relationship (like connecting a phone or connecting with a person). 'Unir' is broader and means to join or merge things together, often emphasizing unity or making something whole (like uniting two countries or mixing ingredients).
How do I say 'I am connected'?
Since 'connected' is a state resulting from an action, you use the verb 'estar' (to be) plus the past participle 'conectado' (or 'conectada' if you are female): 'Estoy conectado a internet' (I am connected to the internet).