Inklingo

How to Say "to untie" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deshacer

/des-ah-SEHR//desaˈθeɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'deshacer' when you are undoing something that was previously tied or put together, like a knot, a tie, or even a suitcase.
A hand pulling a single thread to unravel a knitted scarf.

Examples

Desaté el nudo de la cuerda.

I untied the knot in the rope.

Tengo que deshacer la maleta después del viaje.

I have to unpack the suitcase after the trip.

No puedo deshacer este nudo.

I can't undo this knot.

The 'Hacer' Connection

This word works exactly like 'hacer'. If you know 'yo hago', then you know 'yo deshago'. If you know 'él hizo', you know 'él deshizo'.

Watch the 'I' in the Past

Mistake: “Yo deshací.”

Correction: Say 'Yo deshice'. Like the word 'hacer', the past tense forms use an 'i' instead of an 'a'.

soltar

sohl-TAHR/solˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'soltar' when you are releasing or loosening something that is tight or bound, such as a knot, a screw, or even a person's grip.
A close-up of a hand gently pulling apart the strands of a thick rope, causing a previously tight knot to become loose and slack.

Examples

Tienes que soltar el nudo para que la cuerda se mueva.

You have to loosen the knot so the rope can move.

Necesitas soltar la tuerca un poco para que encaje.

You need to loosen the nut a bit so it fits.

Cuando llueve mucho, la presa suelta el exceso de agua.

When it rains a lot, the dam discharges the excess water.

Deshacer vs. Soltar

Learners often confuse 'deshacer' and 'soltar' for 'to untie'. Remember that 'deshacer' implies undoing something that was constructed, while 'soltar' means to release or loosen something that is tight or held fast.

Related Translations

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