How to Say "to adhere" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to adhere” is “adherir” — use 'adherir' when you are talking about physically attaching or sticking one item to another, often in a formal or technical context.
adherir
ah-deh-reeraðeˈɾiɾ
Examples
Debes adherir la etiqueta al paquete antes de enviarlo.
You must adhere the label to the package before sending it.
Tienes que adherir el sello en la esquina del sobre.
You have to stick the stamp on the corner of the envelope.
La pintura no se adhiere bien a esta superficie.
The paint doesn't stick well to this surface.
Es necesario adherir las piezas con un pegamento fuerte.
It is necessary to join the pieces with a strong glue.
Vowel Changes
This verb is tricky! In many forms, the 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' (like 'yo adhiero'). However, in the past tense and the 'ing' form, it changes to just an 'i' (like 'adhirió' or 'adhiriendo').
Using the preposition 'a'
When you want to say what something is sticking TO, you must use the word 'a'. For example: 'se adhiere a la pared' (it sticks to the wall).
Missing the 'a'
Mistake: “Adherir el cartel la puerta.”
Correction: Adherir el cartel a la puerta. You always need 'a' to show the destination of the sticking action.
unirse
oo-NEER-sehuˈniɾse
Examples
La arcilla húmeda tiende a unirse fácilmente.
The wet clay tends to stick together easily.
Las dos carreteras principales se unen justo después del puente.
The two main roads connect right after the bridge.
Asegúrate de que los cables se unan firmemente.
Make sure the cables connect firmly.
Passive Voice Alternative
Spanish often uses the reflexive form ('se une') where English might use the passive voice ('is connected'). It’s a very natural way to describe how things come together without naming the person who did the connecting.
Adherir vs. Unirse
Related Translations
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