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How to Say "bound" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atado

/ah-TAH-doh//aˈtaðo/

adjectiveA2
Use 'atado' when referring to something physically tied, fastened, or wrapped, often with a rope, string, or similar material.
A bundle of brown sticks tightly tied together with a simple piece of rope.

Examples

El perro estaba atado a un poste.

The dog was tied to a post.

El paquete llegó atado con una cuerda roja.

The package arrived tied with a red string.

La puerta estaba atada con una cadena.

The door was fastened with a chain.

Necesito desatar las cajas; están todas atadas.

I need to untie the boxes; they are all bundled together.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'atado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'atada' (feminine singular), 'atados' (masculine plural), 'atadas' (feminine plural).

Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'

Mistake: “El paquete es atado.”

Correction: El paquete está atado. (Use 'estar' because being 'tied' is a temporary state or condition.)

sujeto

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'sujeto' when something or someone is subject to a rule, law, influence, or is dependent on something else.

Examples

Los empleados están sujetos a las normas de la empresa.

Employees are subject to the company's rules.

Physical vs. Obligatory 'Bound'

The most common error is using 'atado' when you mean 'sujeto'. Remember, 'atado' is about physical ties, like being tied with a rope. 'Sujeto' refers to being under an obligation or rule, not physically restrained.

Related Translations

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