Inklingo

How to Say "to merge" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to merge” is “unir” — use 'unir' when referring to the act of joining or connecting two or more separate entities, like companies or organizations, into a single one..

English → Spanish

unir

/oo-NEER//uˈniɾ/

verbB1companies or organizations
Use 'unir' when referring to the act of joining or connecting two or more separate entities, like companies or organizations, into a single one.
Three diverse cartoon people of different heights and appearances walking toward a central point, symbolizing them joining a group.

Examples

La fusión permitirá unir las dos empresas en una sola entidad.

The merger will allow the two companies to be united into a single entity.

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-seh//uˈniɾse/

verbB1companies or organizations
Use 'unirse' when emphasizing the action of people or groups coming together or joining a collective effort or cause.
Two stylized hands of different colors firmly grasping each other in a handshake, symbolizing unity and collaboration.

Examples

Es importante que los ciudadanos se unan para defender sus derechos.

It is important for citizens to unite to defend their rights.

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.

Unir vs. Unirse: Action vs. Joining

Learners often confuse 'unir' and 'unirse' when talking about groups or companies. Remember that 'unir' often implies combining distinct entities into one, while 'unirse' focuses on the act of individuals or groups coming together or joining an existing entity or cause.

Related Translations

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