unión
“unión” means “union” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
union, unity
Also: joining, link
📝 In Action
La unión de las tuberías necesita una pieza especial.
A2The joining of the pipes needs a special part.
Necesitamos la unión de todos para ganar el campeonato.
B1We need everyone's unity to win the championship.
union, league
Also: federation
📝 In Action
La Unión Europea es un ejemplo de cooperación internacional.
B1The European Union is an example of international cooperation.
El sindicato es una unión fuerte que defiende los derechos de los empleados.
B2The syndicate is a strong union that defends the rights of employees.
union, bond
Also: marriage
📝 In Action
La pareja decidió formalizar su unión después de diez años.
B2The couple decided to formalize their partnership after ten years.
Ellos celebraron su unión civil con una ceremonia sencilla.
C1They celebrated their civil union with a simple ceremony.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: unión
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'unión' to refer to a formal organization?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *unio*, meaning 'oneness' or 'unity,' which is derived from *unus* (one). The word has kept its core meaning of combining separate parts into a single whole since it entered Spanish.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish period (around 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'unión' mean both 'unity' and 'a specific organization'?
This is common! The abstract idea of 'unity' (things coming together) naturally extends to the concrete idea of a 'union' (a group formed by people coming together). Think of it as the result of the action of uniting.
Is 'unión' always feminine?
Yes, 'unión' is a feminine noun, so you always use feminine articles and adjectives with it (la unión, una unión fuerte).