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, a marital or civil partnership, or a large international organization like the European Union.
unión
Examples
La unión de las tuberías necesita una pieza especial.
The joining of the pipes needs a special part.
sindicato
sin-dee-KAH-tohsin.diˈka.to
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.)
asociación
Examples
Mi abuela es miembro de una asociación de jardinería.
My grandmother is a member of a gardening association.
enlace
en-LAH-sehenˈlaθe
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.
sindical
seen-dee-KAHLsin.diˈkal
Examples
Ella es una líder sindical muy respetada.
She is a very respected union leader.
El conflicto sindical duró tres semanas.
The union conflict lasted three weeks.
Los trabajadores piden libertad sindical.
The workers are asking for union freedom.
One Form for All
This word stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman (or a masculine or feminine noun). You say 'el líder sindical' and 'la líder sindical'.
Making it Plural
Because the word ends in a consonant (l), you simply add '-es' to the end to make it plural: 'sindicales'.
Don't change the ending
Mistake: “una líder sindicala”
Correction: una líder sindical. Even if describing a woman, the word doesn't change its ending.
convergencia
kon-ber-HEN-syahkombeɾˈxensja
Examples
La convergencia de los dos ríos ocurre cerca del pueblo.
The convergence of the two rivers happens near the town.
Necesitamos buscar una convergencia de opiniones para avanzar.
We need to find a convergence of opinions to move forward.
La convergencia tecnológica permite que el teléfono sea también una cámara.
Technological convergence allows the phone to also be a camera.
Always Feminine
This word ends in '-ia,' which is a strong clue that it is a feminine noun. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it.
Using the preposition 'de'
To describe what things are coming together, use 'de' followed by the plural noun, like 'convergencia de ideas' (convergence of ideas).
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: “Los caminos convergencia.”
Correction: Los caminos convergen.
federación
Examples
Rusia es oficialmente una federación.
Russia is officially a federation.
gremio
GREH-mee-ohˈɡɾemjo
Examples
El gremio de taxistas está en huelga hoy.
The taxi drivers' union is on strike today.
En la Edad Media, cada gremio tenía sus propias reglas.
In the Middle Ages, each guild had its own rules.
Es un honor ser parte del gremio de escritores.
It is an honor to be part of the writers' trade.
Always Masculine
The word 'gremio' ends in 'o' and is always masculine (el gremio), even if the group is mostly made of women.
Using 'de' for the Trade
To specify which group you mean, simply add 'de' plus the name of the profession: 'gremio de actores' (actors' guild).
Gremio vs. Sindicato
Mistake: “Using 'gremio' exclusively for modern legal unions.”
Correction: While often used interchangeably in some countries, 'sindicato' is the legal term for a labor union, whereas 'gremio' can also mean the whole community of people in that job.
reunión
Examples
El libro es una reunión de sus mejores ensayos.
The book is a collection of his best essays.
Confusing 'Unión' vs. 'Sindicato' and 'Asociación'
Related Translations
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