Inklingo

How to Say "tie" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tie” is “corbata” — use 'corbata' exclusively for the necktie accessory worn with formal or semi-formal attire.

corbata🔊A1

Use 'corbata' exclusively for the necktie accessory worn with formal or semi-formal attire.

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empate🔊A2

Use 'empate' when referring to a tie in a game, match, or competition where no one wins.

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enlace🔊A2

Use 'enlace' specifically for a link, most commonly a hyperlink in digital contexts, connecting to information.

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lazo🔊B1

Use 'lazo' to describe a bond or connection, often referring to familial or close social relationships.

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vínculoB1

Use 'vínculo' to denote a strong relationship or bond, frequently used for emotional, professional, or familial connections.

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tabla🔊B2

Use 'tabla' in Spain to specifically refer to a draw or tie in a sports match, often implying an equal score.

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vinculaciónB2

Use 'vinculación' to describe a connection or link, often in a more formal or technical sense, such as a professional or scientific relationship.

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English → Spanish

corbata

kor-BAH-tahkoɾˈbata

nounA1clothing accessory
Use 'corbata' exclusively for the necktie accessory worn with formal or semi-formal attire.
A blue and yellow striped necktie, neatly tied in a knot, hanging vertically.

Examples

Para la boda, él tuvo que usar traje y corbata.

For the wedding, he had to wear a suit and tie.

Esta corbata de seda es muy elegante.

This silk tie is very elegant.

Olvidé mi corbata en casa, ¿puedo comprar una aquí?

I forgot my tie at home, can I buy one here?

Feminine Noun Rule

Since 'corbata' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun. Always use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'La corbata es azul' (The tie is blue).

Confusing Nouns

Mistake: “Using 'corbata' for 'bow tie'.”

Correction: While sometimes used, the more common and clearer word for 'bow tie' is 'pajarita' (especially in Spain) or 'corbatín'.

empate

em-pah-teemˈpate

nounA2sports or games
Use 'empate' when referring to a tie in a game, match, or competition where no one wins.
Two identical soccer balls resting side-by-side on a green grass field with a goal net in the background.

Examples

El partido de fútbol terminó en empate.

The soccer match ended in a tie.

Hubo un empate a dos entre los equipos.

There was a two-two tie between the teams.

Las encuestas muestran un empate técnico entre los candidatos.

The polls show a statistical tie between the candidates.

Using 'a' for Scores

When talking about a specific score that resulted in a tie, use the word 'a' between the numbers. For example: 'empate a tres' (a three-three tie).

Verbs that go with 'empate'

In Spanish, we usually 'break' (romper) or 'reach' (llegar a) a tie. To say a game 'ended in a tie,' use 'terminar en empate' or 'quedar en empate'.

Don't use 'hacer'

Mistake: “Hicimos un empate.”

Correction: Quedamos en empate (or) Empatamos.

enlace

en-LAH-sehenˈlaθe

nounA2relationship
Use 'enlace' specifically for a link, most commonly a hyperlink in digital contexts, connecting to information.
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.

lazo

LAH-sohˈlaso

nounB1family or social connection
Use 'lazo' to describe a bond or connection, often referring to familial or close social relationships.
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.

vínculo

nounB1relationship
Use 'vínculo' to denote a strong relationship or bond, frequently used for emotional, professional, or familial connections.

Examples

El vínculo entre los hermanos es irrompible.

The bond between the siblings is unbreakable.

tabla

TAH-blahˈtaβla

nounB2equal score
Use 'tabla' in Spain to specifically refer to a draw or tie in a sports match, often implying an equal score.
An illustration of two cartoon figures locked in a tug-of-war where neither side is gaining ground, symbolizing a draw or tied game.

Examples

El partido de fútbol terminó en tabla a cero.

The soccer match ended in a zero-zero draw.

El ajedrecista forzó las tablas para no perder.

The chess player forced the draw so as not to lose.

Singular vs. Plural

When talking about chess or a sports draw, it is very common to use the plural form: 'las tablas'.

vinculación

nounB2professional or family relationship
Use 'vinculación' to describe a connection or link, often in a more formal or technical sense, such as a professional or scientific relationship.

Examples

Los científicos han encontrado una vinculación entre la dieta y el sueño.

Scientists have found a link between diet and sleep.

Confusing 'tie' as a connection

Learners often confuse 'enlace', 'lazo', 'vínculo', and 'vinculación' when translating 'tie' as a connection. Remember that 'enlace' is typically for digital links, while 'lazo' and 'vínculo' describe emotional or social bonds, with 'vinculación' often used for more formal or abstract connections.

Related Translations

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