Inklingo

How to Say "tie" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tie” is “corbata” — use 'corbata' when referring to the necktie worn as a clothing accessory, typically with a suit..

English → Spanish

corbata

kor-BAH-tah/koɾˈbata/

nounA1clothing accessory
Use 'corbata' when referring to the necktie worn as a clothing accessory, typically with a suit.
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'.

enlace

en-LAH-seh/enˈlaθe/

nounA2relationship
Use 'enlace' when referring to a link, especially a digital one in text or on a webpage, that connects to another resource.
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-soh//ˈlaso/

nounB1family or social connection
Use 'lazo' to describe a bond or connection, particularly in a social or familial context, or a physical bow.
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 refer to a strong emotional or legal relationship or connection between people or entities.

Examples

El vínculo entre los hermanos es irrompible.

The bond between the siblings is unbreakable.

tabla

TAH-blah/ˈtaβla/

nounB2equal score
Use 'tabla' specifically when referring to a tie in a competition, meaning an equal score where no one wins.
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'.

Connection vs. Clothing vs. Score

Learners often confuse 'lazo' and 'vínculo' for general connections, but 'lazo' is more common for social/family bonds, while 'vínculo' implies a deeper or more formal tie. Remember that 'corbata' is ONLY for a necktie, and 'tabla' is exclusively for a tied score in sports.

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