Inklingo

How to Say "to untie" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desatar

deh-sah-tahrdesaˈtaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'desatar' when referring to untying knots, strings, laces, or anything that is tied or bound in a typical knot.
A close-up of a hand loosening a simple knot in a thick rope.

Examples

Por favor, desata los cordones de tus zapatos.

Please, untie your shoelaces.

No puedo desatar este nudo porque está muy apretado.

I can't untie this knot because it is very tight.

Ella desató el paquete con mucho cuidado.

She unfastened the package very carefully.

The 'Des-' Prefix

In Spanish, adding 'des-' to the start of many verbs acts like 'un-' in English, meaning the opposite of the original action (atar = tie, desatar = untie).

Using 'Desatar' with Objects

This is a transitive verb, which means you usually need to say what you are untying right after the verb.

Using 'Abrir' for Shoes

Mistake: “Voy a abrir mis zapatos.”

Correction: Voy a desatar mis zapatos. We 'open' doors, but we 'untie' shoes and knots.

deshacer

des-ah-SEHRdesaˈθeɾ

verbA2general
Use 'deshacer' primarily when referring to the act of undoing or dismantling something that has been put together or tied, like a knot in a more abstract sense, or unpacking a suitcase.
A hand pulling a single thread to unravel a knitted scarf.

Examples

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-TAHRsolˈtaɾ

verbB2general
Use 'soltar' when you need to loosen or release something that is tied, bound, or tightened, such as a knot, a binding, or even a nut.
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

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.

Desatar vs. Deshacer vs. Soltar

Learners often confuse 'desatar' and 'deshacer' for knots. 'Desatar' is the most direct translation for physically untying a knot or laces, while 'deshacer' can also mean to undo or dismantle something, including a knot, but is broader.

Related Translations

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