Inklingo

How to Say "to secure" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to secure” is “asegurar” — use 'asegurar' when you want to make something physically safe, fastened, or protected from danger.

English → Spanish

asegurar

ah-seh-goo-RAHRaseɣuˈɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'asegurar' when you want to make something physically safe, fastened, or protected from danger.
A shiny silver padlock fastened securely onto a heavy wooden gate, illustrating the act of fastening or making safe.

Examples

El guardián aseguró las puertas antes de irse.

The guard secured the doors before leaving.

El carpintero aseguró la mesa a la pared para que no se cayera.

The carpenter secured the table to the wall so it wouldn't fall over.

Asegura la carga con estas cuerdas.

Fasten the load with these ropes.

Securing Actions

This meaning often involves physical objects. Think of it as making sure something is stable and won't move.

confirmar

kon-fir-MARkon.fiɾˈmaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'confirmar' when the meaning is to finalize or verify an arrangement, appointment, or reservation.
A single, ornate hotel room key resting on a wooden counter next to a small, neatly packed travel suitcase, symbolizing a confirmed reservation.

Examples

Por favor, confirma tu asistencia a la fiesta.

Please confirm your attendance at the party.

Necesito llamar al hotel para confirmar mi reserva.

I need to call the hotel to confirm my reservation.

Ya confirmamos los billetes de avión para el viaje.

We already confirmed the plane tickets for the trip.

Confirma tu asistencia antes del viernes, por favor.

Confirm your attendance before Friday, please.

Reflexive Form (Confirmarse)

When used reflexively, 'confirmarse' often means 'to be confirmed' or 'to become official,' focusing on the status change: 'El evento se confirmó ayer' (The event was confirmed yesterday).

sujetar

soo-heh-tarsuxeˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Choose 'sujetar' when you mean to hold something in place using a tool, clip, or by physically holding it.
A large metal paperclip fastening two pieces of colored paper together.

Examples

Usa una pinza para sujetar el mantel.

Use a clip to secure the tablecloth.

Sujeta los papeles con un clip.

Fasten the papers with a clip.

Necesitamos sujetar la estantería a la pared.

We need to secure the bookshelf to the wall.

Sujeta bien la cuerda antes de bajar.

Secure the rope well before going down.

Using 'con' with tools

When explaining what tool you use to fasten something, always use 'con' (with). Example: 'sujetar con un tornillo' (fasten with a screw).

afirmar

ah-fear-MAHRa.fiɾˈmaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'afirmar' when you are making something physically stable or strongly fixed in place.
A hand using a wrench to tighten a bolt on a wooden beam.

Examples

Es importante afirmar bien la estructura al suelo.

It is important to secure the structure well to the ground.

Debes afirmar la estantería a la pared.

You must secure the bookshelf to the wall.

Afirmó el poste con concreto.

He secured the post with concrete.

El piloto afirmó el timón durante la tormenta.

The pilot steadied the rudder during the storm.

Physical vs. Abstract

This meaning is used when something is physically made stable or secure. Think of it like 'making firm' - you can 'afirmar' a ladder against a wall or 'afirmar' your grip on something.

Choosing the wrong word

Mistake: “Using 'afirmar' for abstract concepts when you should use 'asegurar'”

Correction: In everyday speech, 'asegurar' is more commonly used for physical security. Save 'afirmar' for formal or written contexts.

amarrar

ah-mah-RRARamaˈraɾ

verbB2colloquial
Use 'amarrar' in the context of securing a deal, agreement, or achieving a victory that seemed uncertain.
Two people shaking hands firmly to show they have reached an agreement.

Examples

El equipo está listo para amarrar el campeonato.

The team is ready to secure the championship.

El equipo necesita amarrar la victoria en el segundo tiempo.

The team needs to clinch the victory in the second half.

Por fin amarraron el contrato con la nueva empresa.

They finally secured the contract with the new company.

Figurative Use

This word functions like the English 'lock down'—it implies making something certain so it doesn't escape or change.

obtener

ob-teh-NEHRoβ.teˈneɾ

verbC1general
Use 'obtener' when the goal is to successfully acquire or achieve something important, like a position or title.
A small figure standing triumphantly on the peak of a small, grassy hill, raising both arms in a gesture of success, symbolizing achievement.

Examples

Ella trabajó duro para obtener el puesto.

She worked hard to secure the position.

Después de años de estudio, por fin obtuvo su doctorado.

After years of study, he finally achieved his doctorate.

El equipo necesita obtener una victoria para clasificar.

The team needs to secure a victory to qualify.

Physical vs. Abstract 'Securing'

Learners often confuse 'asegurar' and 'confirmar'. Remember that 'asegurar' is generally for making something physically safe or fixed, while 'confirmar' is for finalizing plans or arrangements. Don't use 'confirmar' for physical objects.

Related Translations

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