What is the difference between "adjunto", "pegado", "unido", "fijado", "pegó" in Spanish?

The English word 'attached' has several Spanish translations, each suited to a specific context. Choosing the right word depends on whether you mean something is sent with a message, physically fastened, or conceptually linked.

How to Say "attached" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “attached” is “adjunto” — use 'adjunto' when referring to a file or document that is sent along with an email, letter, or message..

adjunto🔊A2

Use 'adjunto' when referring to a file or document that is sent along with an email, letter, or message.

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pegado🔊A1

Use 'pegado' when something is physically stuck to a surface, often indicating it's difficult to remove.

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unido🔊A2

Use 'unido' to describe two or more things that are joined or connected together, either physically or conceptually.

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fijado🔊A2

Use 'fijado' when something is fixed, set, or firmly established in place, like a price or a rule.

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pegóA2

Use 'pegó' (preterite of pegar) when describing the action of something sticking or being firmly joined in the past.

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English → Spanish

adjunto

/ad-HOON-toh//adˈxunto/

adjectiveA2general

Use 'adjunto' when referring to a file or document that is sent along with an email, letter, or message.

A paperclip holding several colorful sheets of paper together.

Examples

Te envío el contrato adjunto.

I'm sending you the attached contract.

Por favor, mira la imagen adjunta.

Please, look at the attached image.

Matching Endings

Since this word is describing a thing, it has to match the 'gender' of that thing. Use 'adjunto' for masculine words like 'archivo' and 'adjunta' for feminine words like 'foto'.

The 'O' Trap

Mistake: “La imagen adjunto.”

Correction: La imagen adjunta. Because 'imagen' is feminine, you must change the 'o' to an 'a'.

See full entry for “adjunto” →

pegado

/peh-GAH-doh//peˈɣa.ðo/

adjectiveA1general

Use 'pegado' when something is physically stuck to a surface, often indicating it's difficult to remove.

A close-up of a colorful, square postage stamp firmly stuck onto a plain white envelope, illustrating physical adhesion.

Examples

El chicle se quedó pegado al zapato.

The chewing gum stayed stuck to the shoe.

Necesitas quitar el papel que está pegado a la ventana.

You need to remove the paper that is glued to the window.

Using 'Estar' vs. 'Ser'

Use 'estar' with 'pegado' (e.g., 'está pegado') when describing the temporary state of something being stuck, which is the most common use.

Gender Agreement

Mistake: “Las fotos está pegado.”

Correction: Las fotos están pegadas. Remember 'pegado' is an adjective, so it must match the thing it describes in gender and number.

See full entry for “pegado” →

unido

oo-NEE-doh/uˈni.ðo/

adjectiveA2general

Use 'unido' to describe two or more things that are joined or connected together, either physically or conceptually.

A colorful storybook illustration depicting three stylized figures (one blue, one red, and one yellow) standing side-by-side with their arms linked tightly together, symbolizing unity and solidarity.

Examples

Los Estados Unidos son un país grande.

The United States is a large country.

Mi familia está muy unida; siempre nos ayudamos.

My family is very close-knit; we always help each other.

Las dos mesas quedaron unidas por un tornillo.

The two tables were joined by a screw.

Adjective Agreement

"Unido" is an adjective, so it must change its ending (gender and number) to match the noun it describes: masculino singular (unido), femenino singular (unida), masculino plural (unidos), femenino plural (unidas).

Origin as a Participle

This word comes directly from the verb 'unir' (to unite or join). When you use 'unido' with 'estar' or 'ser', it describes the result of the action: something that has been joined.

Forgetting Agreement

Mistake: “Las personas está unido.”

Correction: Las personas están unidas. (Since 'personas' is plural and feminine, 'unido' must become 'unidas'.)

See full entry for “unido” →

fijado

fee-HA-doh/fiˈxaðo/

adjectiveA2general

Use 'fijado' when something is fixed, set, or firmly established in place, like a price or a rule.

A metal bolt firmly secured into a solid wooden beam.

Examples

El precio ya está fijado en el catálogo.

The price is already set in the catalog.

El espejo está bien fijado a la pared.

The mirror is securely attached to the wall.

Changing for Gender

Since this word is describing something, it needs to match the item it talks about. If you describe a female noun like 'la fecha' (the date), use 'fijada' instead of 'fijado'.

Fixing a Car vs. Fixing a Date

Mistake: “Using 'fijado' to mean a repaired car.”

Correction: Use 'arreglado' for repairs. 'Fijado' only means something is set in place or established.

See full entry for “fijado” →

pegó

verb (preterite)A2general

Use 'pegó' (preterite of pegar) when describing the action of something sticking or being firmly joined in the past.

Examples

Usó pegamento fuerte y la foto pegó de inmediato.

He used strong glue and the photo stuck immediately.

Adjunto vs. Pegado

Learners often confuse 'adjunto' and 'pegado'. Remember that 'adjunto' is specifically for files sent with messages, while 'pegado' means physically stuck to something, like glue.

Related Translations

glued→hit→stuck→adjacent→assistant→associate→attachment→close to→

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