Inklingo

How to Say "association" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “association” is “asociación” — use 'asociación' for a formal club, organization, or a mental link between ideas. This is a very common and versatile translation..

asociaciónA2/B1

Use 'asociación' for a formal club, organization, or a mental link between ideas. This is a very common and versatile translation.

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club🔊A2

Choose 'club' when referring to a group of people who gather due to a shared hobby or interest, often less formal than an 'asociación'.

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organizaciónB1

Use 'organización' for a more structured or formal society, especially one with a specific mission or purpose, like a non-profit.

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liga🔊A2

Opt for 'liga' when referring to a group or competition, particularly in sports or games, where teams or players compete against each other.

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federaciónB1

Use 'federación' for a union of smaller groups or organizations, often established for a specific sector like sports or professional bodies.

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sociedad🔊B2

Choose 'sociedad' when referring to a group formed for a specific business or legal purpose, such as a company or partnership.

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English → Spanish

asociación

nounA2/B1formal/neutral
Use 'asociación' for a formal club, organization, or a mental link between ideas. This is a very common and versatile translation.

Examples

Mi abuela es miembro de una asociación de jardinería.

My grandmother is a member of a gardening association.

club

/kloob//klub/

nounA2informal/neutral
Choose 'club' when referring to a group of people who gather due to a shared hobby or interest, often less formal than an 'asociación'.
A group of diverse people sitting around a table, happily discussing a book, illustrating a social group or association.

Examples

Me uní a un club de lectura para conocer gente.

I joined a book club to meet people.

Mi hijo juega en el club de fútbol del barrio.

My son plays for the neighborhood soccer club.

El club social organiza eventos todos los meses.

The social club organizes events every month.

Making it Plural: 'club' → 'clubes'

Because 'club' ends in a consonant, you add '-es' to make it plural. For example, 'un club' becomes 'dos clubes'.

It's a 'he', not a 'she'

Mistake: “Me gusta la club nueva.”

Correction: Me gusta el club nuevo. Even though it's a word for a group of people, in Spanish 'club' is a masculine word, so you always use 'el' or 'un'.

organización

nounB1formal
Use 'organización' for a more structured or formal society, especially one with a specific mission or purpose, like a non-profit.

Examples

Ella trabaja para una organización no gubernamental.

She works for a non-governmental organization (NGO).

liga

LEE-gah/ˈli.ɣa/

nounA2
Opt for 'liga' when referring to a group or competition, particularly in sports or games, where teams or players compete against each other.
A shiny, golden championship trophy standing on a pedestal, surrounded by several small, colorful team flags representing a sports league.

Examples

Mi equipo favorito ganó la liga el año pasado.

My favorite team won the league last year.

Los tres países formaron una liga defensiva.

The three countries formed a defensive alliance.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'liga' ends in -a, remember it refers to a group or organization, acting as a simple feminine noun.

federación

nounB1formal
Use 'federación' for a union of smaller groups or organizations, often established for a specific sector like sports or professional bodies.

Examples

La federación de fútbol anunció las nuevas reglas del torneo.

The football federation announced the new rules for the tournament.

sociedad

soh-see-eh-DAHD/so.sjeˈðað/

nounB2formal/legal
Choose 'sociedad' when referring to a group formed for a specific business or legal purpose, such as a company or partnership.
A high quality storybook illustration of a stylized, colorful commercial office building with large windows, representing a business firm.

Examples

Crearon una sociedad limitada para reducir riesgos.

They created a limited company (LTD) to reduce risks.

Necesitas registrar la sociedad con el gobierno.

You need to register the company with the government.

Business Acronyms

You will often see 'S.A.' (Sociedad Anónima) or 'S.L.' (Sociedad Limitada) used after a business name, indicating the type of legal company structure.

Choosing Between 'Asociación' and 'Organización'

Learners often confuse 'asociación' and 'organización'. While both can mean a formal group, 'asociación' is broader and can also mean a mental link or a more general club. 'Organización' usually implies a more structured entity with a defined mission.

Related Translations

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