Inklingo

How to Say "to connect" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to connect” is “conectar” — use 'conectar' when joining electronic devices, networks, systems, or abstract concepts like ideas..

English → Spanish

conectar

koh-nek-TAR/ko.nekˈtaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'conectar' when joining electronic devices, networks, systems, or abstract concepts like ideas.
A simple illustration showing two ends of a colorful wire connector fitting perfectly into each other, representing a physical connection.

Examples

¿Puedes conectar el teléfono al Wi-Fi?

Can you connect the phone to the Wi-Fi?

Esta carretera conecta la ciudad con el aeropuerto.

This highway links the city with the airport.

Conectaron todos los cables antes de encender la máquina.

They connected all the cables before turning on the machine.

Regular -AR Verb

Conectar is a regular verb, meaning its endings follow the standard pattern for all verbs that end in -ar. Once you know the pattern, you can conjugate hundreds of verbs!

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Conectar con el internet.”

Correction: Conectar a internet (or a la red). In Spanish, we usually use 'a' when connecting to a service or network.

unirse

/oo-NEER-seh//uˈniɾse/

verbB2general
Use 'unirse' when physical elements such as roads, pipes, or structural parts join or meet.
Two segments of a brightly colored pipe being perfectly fitted and connected end-to-end with a coupling, demonstrating connection.

Examples

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.

Conectar vs. Unirse

Learners often confuse 'conectar' and 'unirse' by using 'conectar' for physical joining. Remember that 'conectar' is for systems and devices, while 'unirse' describes when things physically come together or meet.

Related Translations

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