Inklingo

How to Say "joint" in Spanish

English → Spanish

común

adjectiveA2general
Use 'común' when referring to something shared or held in common by multiple people or things, like interests or characteristics.

Examples

Tenemos varios intereses comunes, como la música.

We have several shared interests, such as music.

conjunto

/kon-HOON-toh//konˈxunto/

adjectiveB2formal
Choose 'conjunto' when describing an action, decision, or effort that is performed or made collectively by two or more parties.
Two hands, one light-skinned and one darker-skinned, gripping the same red apple, symbolizing a joint or shared action.

Examples

Fue una decisión conjunta de los dos directores.

It was a joint decision by the two directors.

El proyecto requirió un esfuerzo conjunto de varios departamentos.

The project required a combined effort from several departments.

Agreement

As an adjective, 'conjunto' must agree in number and gender with the noun it modifies: 'esfuerzo conjunto' (masculine singular), 'decisión conjunta' (feminine singular), 'acciones conjuntas' (feminine plural).

Mixing Adjective/Adverb

Mistake: “Hicieron el trabajo conjunto.”

Correction: Hicieron el trabajo conjuntamente (or: hicieron un trabajo conjunto). If you mean 'together' or 'jointly,' the adverb 'conjuntamente' is often clearer.

junta

HOON-tah/ˈxunta/

nounB1general
Use 'junta' specifically for a physical connection point where two things are joined, such as in plumbing or construction.
A close-up view of two sturdy wooden planks connected seamlessly by a simple physical joint.

Examples

Hay que revisar la junta de la tubería porque está goteando.

We have to check the joint of the piping because it is leaking.

El mecánico dijo que la junta del motor estaba dañada.

The mechanic said the engine gasket was damaged.

Confusing Shared vs. Physical Joints

The most common mistake is using 'común' or 'conjunto' for a physical connection. Remember, 'junta' is for the physical 'joint' like in pipes or bones, while 'común' and 'conjunto' refer to things shared or done together.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.