How to Say "fastened" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “fastened” is “atado” — use 'atado' when something is physically tied or bound, often with rope, string, or similar material.
atado
ah-TAH-dohaˈtaðo
Examples
El abrigo estaba atado con un cinturón.
The coat was fastened with a belt.
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
soo-HEH-tohsuˈxeto
Examples
El billete está sujeto a cambios.
The ticket is fastened to changes (subject to changes).
La decisión está sujeta a la aprobación del director.
The decision is subject to the director's approval.
Ella mantuvo el libro sujeto con ambas manos.
She kept the book held tight with both hands.
El descuento está sujeto a ciertas condiciones.
The discount is dependent on certain conditions.
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'sujeto' must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes: 'sujeto' (m. sing.), 'sujeta' (f. sing.), 'sujetos' (m. plural), 'sujetas' (f. plural). Pay attention to the ending!
Using the wrong preposition
Mistake: “El precio es sujeto por las reglas.”
Correction: El precio está sujeto a las reglas. ('Sujeto' almost always uses the preposition 'a' (to) when referring to dependency.)
fijado
fee-HA-dohfiˈxaðo
Examples
El precio está fijado para este mes.
The price is fastened (set) for this month.
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.
prendido
pren-DEE-dohpɾenˈdiðo
Examples
Llevaba un broche prendido en la solapa.
He/She wore a brooch fastened on the lapel.
La policía ha prendido al sospechoso.
The police have caught the suspect.
Llevaba un broche prendido a la solapa.
She wore a brooch fastened to her lapel.
The Past Participle
As a verb form, 'prendido' is used after the word 'haber' (to have) to describe things that have already happened.
Physical vs. Conditional Fastening
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