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How to Say "to bind" in Spanish

English → Spanish

atar

/ah-TAHR//aˈtaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'atar' when you are physically wrapping or tying something, like shoelaces, ropes, or packages.
A close-up of a pair of brown leather shoes with the laces being tied into a neat bow.

Examples

Tengo que atar mis zapatos.

I have to tie my shoes.

Él ató el paquete con una cuerda roja.

He tied the package with a red string.

Ata al perro antes de entrar a la tienda.

Tie the dog up before going into the store.

Doing it to yourself

When you are tying something of your own, like your shoes or your hair, you add 'se' to the end (atarse). For example: 'Me ato el pelo' (I tie my hair).

Regular AR Pattern

This verb follows the standard rules for -ar verbs. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you already know how to conjugate 'atar'!

Tying vs. Wearing

Mistake: “Uso 'atar' para decir 'to wear clothes'.”

Correction: Use 'llevar' or 'ponerse' for wearing clothes. 'Atar' is strictly for the action of tying knots or strings.

enlazar

/en-lah-SAHR//enlaˈsaɾ/

verbB1general
Choose 'enlazar' when connecting or linking two or more separate items or ideas together, such as paragraphs or concepts.
Two metallic chain links connected together on a solid background.

Examples

Debemos enlazar los dos párrafos con una transición.

We should link the two paragraphs with a transition.

El puente enlaza la isla con el continente.

The bridge links the island with the continent.

Es importante enlazar estos conceptos en tu mente.

It is important to connect these concepts in your mind.

The 'Z' to 'C' spelling change

When the verb ending starts with 'e', the 'z' in enlazar changes to 'c' to keep the soft 's' sound. For example, 'enlacé' (I linked).

Using the 'Personal A'

If you are 'linking' or 'joining' people together in a social sense, remember to use 'a' before the person you are linking.

Keeping the Z in the Preterite

Mistake: “Yo enlazé.”

Correction: Yo enlacé. (Spanish spelling rules don't like 'ze' or 'zi' in most words; 'ce' is the correct spelling for that sound.)

ligar

/lee-GAHR//liˈɣaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'ligar' to indicate a strong connection or interdependence between things, often implying that one depends on or is a result of the other.
A thick brown rope tying two wooden poles together with a strong knot.

Examples

Su éxito está ligado a su esfuerzo.

His success is linked to his effort.

Tienes que ligar bien los ingredientes.

You have to bind the ingredients well.

Añade un poco de harina para ligar la salsa.

Add a bit of flour to thicken the sauce.

Passive usage

This meaning is often used with 'estar' + 'ligado' (to be linked) to describe how two things are connected.

Abstract connections

You don't just bind physical objects; you use it to show how ideas or consequences are 'tied' together.

Confusing with 'leer'

Mistake: “Ligo el libro.”

Correction: Leo el libro. Be careful not to confuse the 'yo' form 'ligo' (I flirt/bind) with 'leo' (I read).

vincular

/been-koo-lar//biŋkuˈlaɾ/

verbB2formal
Opt for 'vincular' when referring to a formal, legal, or moral commitment, obligation, or strong association between people or entities.
Two hands holding each other firmly.

Examples

Es importante vincularse con la comunidad.

It is important to bond/engage with the community.

El estudio vincula el tabaquismo con el cáncer.

The study links smoking with cancer.

Este contrato te vincula legalmente a la empresa.

This contract binds you legally to the company.

The Reflexive Form

When people form a bond with each other, use 'vincularse'. It shows the action is happening between the people involved.

Physical vs. Abstract Connections

Learners often confuse 'atar' with more abstract linking verbs like 'enlazar' or 'ligar'. Remember that 'atar' is primarily for physical tying, like shoelaces or ropes, while the others are for conceptual or relational connections.

Related Translations

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