Inklingo

How to Say "union" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “union” is “unión” — use 'unión' for the general act or state of being joined, or as a broad term for an organization or association like the European Union, and also for a marital or civil partnership..

uniónB1

Use 'unión' for the general act or state of being joined, or as a broad term for an organization or association like the European Union, and also for a marital or civil partnership.

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asociaciónA2

Use 'asociación' for a group or organization, particularly a club or society, and sometimes for a workers' group depending on the context.

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sindicato🔊B1

Use 'sindicato' specifically for a labor organization or trade union.

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enlace🔊B1

Use 'enlace' to refer to the act of joining two things or people, most commonly a wedding or marriage ceremony.

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reuniónB2

Use 'reunión' when 'union' refers to a gathering, collection, or bringing together of things, like essays in a book.

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federaciónB2

Use 'federación' for a political entity where states or regions are joined under a central government.

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English → Spanish

unión

nounB1general
Use 'unión' for the general act or state of being joined, or as a broad term for an organization or association like the European Union, and also for a marital or civil partnership.

Examples

La unión de las tuberías necesita una pieza especial.

The joining of the pipes needs a special part.

asociación

nounA2general
Use 'asociación' for a group or organization, particularly a club or society, and sometimes for a workers' group depending on the context.

Examples

Mi abuela es miembro de una asociación de jardinería.

My grandmother is a member of a gardening association.

sindicato

sin-dee-KAH-toh/sin.diˈka.to/

nounB1general
Use 'sindicato' specifically for a labor organization or trade union.
A colorful storybook illustration showing three diverse workers (one in a hard hat, one in scrubs, one in a business shirt) standing shoulder to shoulder, linking arms in a display of collective strength and unity.

Examples

El sindicato convocó una huelga para protestar por los despidos.

The union called a strike to protest the layoffs.

Todos los trabajadores de la fábrica se unieron al sindicato.

All the factory workers joined the union.

El presidente del sindicato dio una rueda de prensa.

The president of the union gave a press conference.

Gender Check

Although many Spanish words ending in -a are feminine, 'sindicato' ends in -o and is always masculine: 'el sindicato' (the union).

Confusing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Using 'sindical' (the adjective) when you mean the organization. E.g., 'El sindical es fuerte.'”

Correction: Use the noun: 'El sindicato es fuerte.' ('Sindical' is only used to describe something related to the union, like 'actividad sindical' - union activity.)

enlace

en-LAH-seh/enˈlaθe/

nounB1formal
Use 'enlace' to refer to the act of joining two things or people, most commonly a wedding or marriage ceremony.
Two gold wedding bands intertwined and resting on a white cushion surrounded by pink and white flowers.

Examples

El príncipe y la duquesa anunciaron su próximo enlace.

The prince and the duchess announced their upcoming wedding.

Asistimos al enlace de mi hermana en la playa.

We attended my sister's wedding on the beach.

Boda vs. Enlace

Mistake: “Thinking 'enlace' is always interchangeable with 'boda'.”

Correction: 'Boda' is the most common, everyday word for 'wedding' (the event/party). 'Enlace' often emphasizes the formal union or bond itself, but is perfectly acceptable for referring to the ceremony.

reunión

nounB2general
Use 'reunión' when 'union' refers to a gathering, collection, or bringing together of things, like essays in a book.

Examples

El libro es una reunión de sus mejores ensayos.

The book is a collection of his best essays.

federación

nounB2political
Use 'federación' for a political entity where states or regions are joined under a central government.

Examples

Rusia es oficialmente una federación.

Russia is officially a federation.

Organization vs. Act of Joining

Learners often confuse 'unión' and 'enlace' when 'union' refers to a joining. Remember that 'unión' can be the state of being joined or an organization, while 'enlace' specifically refers to the act of joining, especially a wedding.

Related Translations

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