Inklingo

How to Say "to relate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

relacionar

re-la-syo-NARrelasjoˈnaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'relacionar' when you want to link two ideas, concepts, or things, often in an abstract or analytical way.
Two puzzle pieces of different colors fitting together perfectly.

Examples

Intenta relacionar cada palabra con su dibujo.

Try to relate each word to its drawing.

Es difícil relacionar estos dos sucesos.

It is difficult to connect these two events.

Los científicos relacionan el estrés con la falta de sueño.

Scientists link stress to a lack of sleep.

Using 'con'

In Spanish, we almost always use the word 'con' (with) after 'relacionar' to show what the second thing is. Example: 'Relaciono A con B'.

Spelling Change

The 'c' in 'relacionar' changes to a 'ce' or 'ci' sound depending on the vowel that follows, but in the subjunctive, the 'c' stays a 'c' because it's followed by 'e' (relacione), maintaining that 's' or 'th' sound.

Wrong Preposition

Mistake: “Relacionar a una cosa a otra.”

Correction: Relacionar una cosa con otra. We use 'con' to bridge the two related items.

conectar

koh-nek-TARko.nekˈtaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'conectar' to show a link or connection between abstract data, causes and effects, or when establishing a relationship between different pieces of information.
Three brightly colored, distinct puzzle pieces floating in the air, visibly being pulled together by glowing lines to form a linked sequence.

Examples

Es difícil conectar la falta de sueño con la pérdida de memoria.

It is difficult to relate the lack of sleep with memory loss.

La investigación conecta el aumento de tráfico con la contaminación.

The research connects the increase in traffic with pollution.

Formal Usage

In this abstract sense, 'conectar' often appears in passive constructions or formal statements, emphasizing the relationship between two concepts rather than the person doing the connecting.

vincular

been-koo-larbiŋkuˈlaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'vincular' to indicate a strong connection or bond between people, groups, or more complex concepts, suggesting a deeper link than just association.
Two hands holding each other firmly.

Examples

Es importante vincularse con la comunidad.

It is important to relate/connect 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.

contar

cohn-TARkonˈtaɾ

verbA2formal
Use 'contar' when 'to relate' means 'to tell' or 'to narrate' a story or event.
A cozy illustration of an adult person speaking animatedly with expressive hand gestures to two children who are sitting nearby, listening carefully to the story being told.

Examples

Ella siempre me cuenta historias fascinantes de su viaje.

She always relates/tells me fascinating stories about her trip.

Te voy a contar un secreto, pero prométeme no decírselo a nadie.

I'm going to tell you a secret, but promise me not to tell anyone.

¿Me cuentas qué pasó anoche en la fiesta?

Will you tell me what happened last night at the party?

Who Hears the Story?

When 'contar' means 'to tell,' the person receiving the story often takes an indirect object pronoun (like 'me', 'te', 'le', etc.): 'Me cuenta' (He/She tells me).

Confusing 'Tell' verbs

Mistake: “Usar 'decir' para historias largas (e.g., Decir una historia).”

Correction: Use 'contar' for telling long narratives or stories. Use 'decir' for giving simple information or commands.

Confusing 'relacionar' with 'conectar'

Learners often confuse 'relacionar' and 'conectar' because both imply a link. Remember that 'relacionar' is for linking ideas or items, while 'conectar' often implies a more direct or causal link, especially with data or effects.

Related Translations

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