Inklingo

How to Say "bond" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “bond” is “enlace” — use 'enlace' for a connection that links things, like a hyperlink on the internet, or a chemical bond between atoms..

enlace🔊A2

Use 'enlace' for a connection that links things, like a hyperlink on the internet, or a chemical bond between atoms.

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vínculoB1

Choose 'vínculo' to describe a strong emotional or relational connection, often implying a deep, unbreakable tie.

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lazo🔊B1

Use 'lazo' to refer to an emotional or affectionate tie, often used for family or close friendships.

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fianza🔊B1

Use 'fianza' specifically for a financial guarantee, such as bail money or a security deposit.

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conexiónB2

Opt for 'conexión' when referring to an emotional relationship or a link between people or things, often less intense than 'vínculo'.

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obligaciónB2

Use 'obligación' for a financial security or debt instrument, like a government bond or corporate bond.

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uniónC1

Use 'unión' for a more formal or spiritual connection, often implying a committed partnership or a joining of entities.

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English → Spanish

enlace

en-LAH-seh/enˈlaθe/

nounA2general
Use 'enlace' for a connection that links things, like a hyperlink on the internet, or a chemical bond between atoms.
A stylized depiction of two abstract shapes connected by a glowing line, suggesting a digital link or connection. A cursor hovers nearby.

Examples

Por favor, haz clic en el enlace para descargar el archivo.

Please click on the link to download the file.

Necesitamos un enlace directo entre las dos oficinas.

We need a direct connection between the two offices.

El enlace químico es muy fuerte.

The chemical bond is very strong.

Gender Check

'Enlace' is always masculine (el, un), even though it ends in the letter '-e'. This is common for nouns ending in '-aje' and '-e' that come from verb actions.

Using 'link' in Spanish

Mistake: “Using 'el link' instead of 'el enlace' in formal writing.”

Correction: While many Spanish speakers use 'link' when talking about the internet, 'enlace' is the correct and preferred word in professional and academic settings.

vínculo

nounB1general
Choose 'vínculo' to describe a strong emotional or relational connection, often implying a deep, unbreakable tie.

Examples

El vínculo entre los hermanos es irrompible.

The bond between the siblings is unbreakable.

lazo

/LAH-soh//ˈlaso/

nounB1general
Use 'lazo' to refer to an emotional or affectionate tie, often used for family or close friendships.
Two hands of different people holding each other firmly.

Examples

Los lazos familiares son muy importantes en nuestra cultura.

Family bonds are very important in our culture.

Queremos estrechar los lazos entre nuestras empresas.

We want to strengthen the ties between our companies.

Abstract Meaning

In this context, 'lazo' is figurative, like an invisible string connecting people.

fianza

fee-AHN-sah (Latin America) / fee-AHN-thah (Spain)/ˈfjan.sa/

nounB1legal/financial
Use 'fianza' specifically for a financial guarantee, such as bail money or a security deposit.
A hand outside a barred door passing a stack of money to a hand inside, symbolizing payment for release from custody.

Examples

Tuvimos que pagar una fianza muy alta para que saliera de la cárcel.

We had to pay a very high bail so that he could leave jail.

Cuando alquilas el apartamento, siempre tienes que dejar una fianza.

When you rent the apartment, you always have to leave a security deposit.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'fianza' ends in -a, remember it is a feminine noun, requiring feminine articles (la fianza, una fianza).

conexión

nounB2general
Opt for 'conexión' when referring to an emotional relationship or a link between people or things, often less intense than 'vínculo'.

Examples

Sentí una fuerte conexión emocional con el personaje del libro.

I felt a strong emotional connection with the character in the book.

obligación

nounB2financial
Use 'obligación' for a financial security or debt instrument, like a government bond or corporate bond.

Examples

El gobierno emitió nuevas obligaciones para financiar el proyecto.

The government issued new bonds to finance the project.

unión

nounC1formal/spiritual
Use 'unión' for a more formal or spiritual connection, often implying a committed partnership or a joining of entities.

Examples

La pareja decidió formalizar su unión después de diez años.

The couple decided to formalize their partnership after ten years.

Emotional vs. Financial Bonds

Learners often confuse 'vínculo', 'lazo', and 'conexión' for emotional bonds. Remember 'vínculo' implies a strong, deep tie, 'lazo' is more about affection, and 'conexión' is a general link. Crucially, never use these for financial instruments; that's where 'obligación' or 'fianza' come in.

Related Translations

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