Inklingo

How to Say "to stick" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pegar

peh-GARpeˈɣaɾ

verbA2general
Use this word when referring to the general act of adhering one item to another using an adhesive substance, or when something sticks to a surface.
A piece of bright yellow tape firmly sticking a small blue paper square onto a plain wall.

Examples

Necesitas pegamento para pegar las dos piezas de madera.

You need glue to stick the two pieces of wood together.

La etiqueta no pega bien en esta superficie.

The label doesn't stick well on this surface.

Pegué el póster en la pared de mi habitación.

I stuck the poster on my bedroom wall.

Using 'stick' incorrectly

Mistake: “La goma pegó.”

Correction: La goma se pegó. (When the action is happening to the object itself, use the reflexive 'se pegó'.)

adherir

ah-deh-reeraðeˈɾiɾ

verbB2formal
Use this verb for the more formal or technical act of physically attaching something, often in official or administrative contexts, like affixing a stamp or label.
A colorful sticker being pressed onto a smooth green surface.

Examples

Tienes que adherir el sello en la esquina del sobre.

You have to stick the stamp on the corner of the envelope.

La pintura no se adhiere bien a esta superficie.

The paint doesn't stick well to this surface.

Es necesario adherir las piezas con un pegamento fuerte.

It is necessary to join the pieces with a strong glue.

Vowel Changes

This verb is tricky! In many forms, the 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' (like 'yo adhiero'). However, in the past tense and the 'ing' form, it changes to just an 'i' (like 'adhirió' or 'adhiriendo').

Using the preposition 'a'

When you want to say what something is sticking TO, you must use the word 'a'. For example: 'se adhiere a la pared' (it sticks to the wall).

Missing the 'a'

Mistake: “Adherir el cartel la puerta.”

Correction: Adherir el cartel a la puerta. You always need 'a' to show the destination of the sticking action.

Pegar vs. Adherir

Learners often confuse 'pegar' and 'adherir' because both relate to sticking. Remember that 'pegar' is the everyday, common term for general adhesion, while 'adherir' is more formal and often implies a more official or precise attachment.

Related Translations

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