unir
/oo-NEER/
to join
When you unir (join) two physical objects, like these ropes, you connect them.
unir(Verb)
to join
?connecting two items
,to unite
?bringing people or ideas together
to link
?abstract connection
,to combine
?mixing ingredients or elements
📝 In Action
Tienes que unir las dos piezas con pegamento.
A1You have to join the two pieces with glue.
El director quiere unir los esfuerzos de ambos equipos.
A2The director wants to unite the efforts of both teams.
La costurera unió la tela con hilo rojo.
A2The seamstress joined the fabric with red thread.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -IR Verb
Unir is a regular verb, meaning its endings follow the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ir, making it easy to conjugate.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'unir' and 'estar unido'
Mistake: "Los cables son unidos. (The cables are joined.)"
Correction: Los cables están unidos. (The cables are joined.) 'Unir' is the action, 'estar unido' is the resulting state.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Abstractions
You can use 'unir' for abstract things like ideas, causes, or goals, not just physical objects.
People can unir (join up) to form a group or team.
unir(Verb)
to join up
?of a person or group
,to merge
?of companies or organizations
to become united
?achieving unity
,to get together
?informal gathering
📝 In Action
Decidimos unirnos a la causa de la limpieza de playas.
B1We decided to join the beach cleanup cause.
Las dos empresas rivales se unieron para formar una más grande.
B2The two rival companies merged to form a larger one.
¿Te vas a unir a nosotros para el almuerzo?
A2Are you going to join us for lunch?
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive 'Se'
When 'unir' is used with the pronoun 'se' (unirse), it means the subject is doing the action to itself or that multiple subjects are acting together to become one, like 'The companies merged' (Las empresas se unieron).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
Mistake: "Ellos unen para luchar. (They join to fight.)"
Correction: Ellos se unen para luchar. (They join up/come together to fight.) Use 'se' when they are joining *themselves* to the group.
⭐ Usage Tips
Joining a Group
Whenever you talk about a person joining a club, a conversation, or a movement, you almost always need the reflexive form: 'unirse a' (to join + the group).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: unir
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'unir' to mean 'to join a group'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'unir' and 'juntar'?
'Unir' usually suggests a strong, often permanent, or functional connection (like welding, merging, or forming a bond). 'Juntar' is generally lighter and often means 'to gather' or 'to put next to each other' (like putting books on a table).
How do I say 'We are united'?
You should use the verb 'estar' plus the past participle 'unidos': 'Estamos unidos.' This describes the resulting state of being connected.