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How to Say "fastens" in Spanish

English → Spanish

asegura

/ah-seh-GOO-rah//aseˈɣuɾa/

verbB1general
Use 'asegura' when the act of fastening involves making something secure or stable, often with a physical restraint like a belt or rope.
A sturdy metal padlock securely fastened to a thick iron chain around a gate.

Examples

Él asegura la carga antes de salir.

He secures the cargo before leaving.

Asegura bien la cuerda al árbol.

Fasten the rope well to the tree.

sujeta

/soo-HEH-tah//suˈxeta/

verbA2general
Use 'sujeta' when the act of fastening is about holding something firmly in place, either by hand or by attachment, to prevent it from moving.
A hand firmly gripping the handle of a colorful bucket.

Examples

Ella sujeta el paraguas con fuerza porque hace viento.

She holds the umbrella tightly because it is windy.

¡Sujeta la escalera, por favor!

Hold the ladder, please!

Double Identity

In the 'doing it now' form, 'sujeta' refers to someone else (he/she) holding something. But if you shout '¡Sujeta!', you are telling someone to hold it right now.

Confusing Sujeta with Sostiene

Mistake: “Using 'sujeta' for emotional support.”

Correction: Use 'sujeta' for physical gripping or fastening. For supporting an idea or giving emotional support, use 'sostiene'.

Asegura vs. Sujeta

Learners often confuse 'asegura' and 'sujeta' because both imply making something secure. Remember that 'asegura' often suggests a more permanent or safety-oriented fastening (like securing a load), while 'sujeta' is more about holding something in place at a given moment.

Related Translations

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