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How to Say "to merge" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to merge” is “fusionar” — use this when two companies or organizations formally combine to create a new, single entity.

English → Spanish

fusionar

foo-syoh-nahrfusjoˈnaɾ

verbB1formal
Use this when two companies or organizations formally combine to create a new, single entity.
Two different colored drops of liquid, one blue and one yellow, flowing together into a single green pool.

Examples

Las dos empresas se van a fusionar el próximo mes.

The two companies are going to merge next month.

El restaurante intenta fusionar la comida japonesa con la peruana.

The restaurant tries to blend Japanese food with Peruvian food.

Es posible fusionar estos dos metales a una temperatura muy alta.

It is possible to fuse these two metals at a very high temperature.

Using 'se' with fusionar

When you want to say two things merge into each other, use 'fusionarse'. For example: 'Las piezas se fusionaron' (The pieces merged together).

The 'con' connection

Use 'con' (with) when you are blending one thing into another. 'Fusionamos el jazz con el flamenco' (We blend jazz with flamenco).

Mixing up 'mezclar' and 'fusionar'

Mistake: “Mezclamos las dos compañías.”

Correction: Fusionamos las dos compañías. 'Mezclar' is just mixing; 'fusionar' means they become one whole new entity.

unir

oo-NEERuˈniɾ

verbB1general
This is used for companies or organizations that decide to join forces or become part of a larger group or cause, often without completely losing their individual identity.
Three diverse cartoon people of different heights and appearances walking toward a central point, symbolizing them joining a group.

Examples

Decidimos unirnos a la causa de la limpieza de playas.

We decided to join the beach cleanup cause.

Las dos empresas rivales se unieron para formar una más grande.

The two rival companies merged to form a larger one.

¿Te vas a unir a nosotros para el almuerzo?

Are you going to join us for lunch?

The Reflexive 'Se'

When 'unir' is used with the pronoun 'se' (unirse), it means the subject is doing the action to itself or that multiple subjects are acting together to become one, like 'The companies merged' (Las empresas se unieron).

Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun

Mistake: “Ellos unen para luchar. (They join to fight.)”

Correction: Ellos se unen para luchar. (They join up/come together to fight.) Use 'se' when they are joining *themselves* to the group.

unirse

oo-NEER-sehuˈniɾse

verbB1general
Use this when people, groups, or organizations come together or join with others for a common purpose or action.
Two stylized hands of different colors firmly grasping each other in a handshake, symbolizing unity and collaboration.

Examples

Es crucial que todos los vecinos se unan para limpiar el parque.

It is crucial that all the neighbors unite to clean the park.

Las dos empresas se unieron el año pasado.

The two companies merged last year.

The Meaning of Plural Reflexive

When used with 'nosotros' (we) or 'ellos' (they), 'unirse' often describes a reciprocal action—they are uniting with each other.

fundir

foon-DEERfunˈdiɾ

verbB2general
This term implies a more complete merging or melting together of two things into a single, indistinguishable entity, often used for companies combining.
A colorful storybook illustration of two different colored drops of paint, one blue and one yellow, flowing together to form green.

Examples

Las dos empresas se fundieron en una gran corporación.

The two companies merged into one large corporation.

El horizonte funde el mar con el cielo.

The horizon blends the sea with the sky.

Se fundieron en un largo abrazo.

They melted/merged into a long embrace.

Metaphorical Melting

Spanish uses 'fundir' metaphorically much like English 'melt'—it implies things are becoming so close they are now one.

consolidar

kon-so-lee-darkonsoliˈðaɾ

verbC1formal
This specifically refers to combining multiple debts, accounts, or elements into a single, more manageable or unified whole.
A single large golden coin being formed by several smaller silver coins flowing into it.

Examples

Necesito consolidar todas mis deudas en un solo pago mensual.

I need to consolidate all my debts into a single monthly payment.

El contador está consolidando los balances de las dos empresas.

The accountant is merging the balance sheets of the two companies.

Combining Things

When using this in a financial sense, you are usually taking many small parts and turning them into one big part.

Fusionar vs. Unir/Unirse

Learners often confuse 'fusionar' with 'unir' or 'unirse'. Remember that 'fusionar' is typically used for the official, formal combination of two companies into one new entity. 'Unir' and 'unirse' are broader and can refer to joining forces or coming together for a cause, not necessarily forming a single new organization.

Related Translations

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