Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| adjuntar | /adxunˈtaɾ/ | |
| atachar | /atat͡ʃaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| atachear | /atat͡ʃeaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | alternative form |
| prender | /pɾenˈdeɾ/ | |
| unir | /uˈniɾ/ |
The standard term used for attaching files to an email or adding an enclosure to a document is adjuntar. If you are joining two things together to form a single unit or connection, use unir.
Which one should you use?
While adjuntar is the standard term for digital or formal contexts like adding an enclosure to a document, unir is used when the sense of attaching implies joining two things to form a single unit. Atachar is a colloquial Anglicism derived from the English word 'attach'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Adjuntar is a common and preferred formal way to say attach. Prender is a colloquial way to say fasten or attach, though its primary meaning is 'to turn on' or 'to catch fire'. Atachar and its alternative spelling atachear are colloquial Anglicisms.
How do you pronounce it?
/adxunˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb prender shares a common ancestor with the English word 'apprehend', as both derive from the Latin root meaning 'to seize' or 'to grasp'.
- The term atachar is so common in certain Latin American countries that it is often used in daily speech, despite being a linguistic relative of the English 'attach'.
Examples in context
- Adjunto el archivo a este mensajeI attach the file to this message
- Le ruego que agregue su currículum a la solicitudI kindly ask you to attach your resume to the application
- Ponle una foto a tu correoAttach a photo to your email
- Incluye el archivo en el mensajeInclude the file in the message
- Adjunta el documentoAttach the document
- Debes adjuntar el recibo al correo electrónico.You must attach the receipt to the email.
- No olvides adjuntar el archivo a la solicitud.Don't forget to attach the file to the application.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are working together on a project in an office.
- Sofía¿Puedes adjuntar el documento al mensaje?Can you attach the document to the message?
- AlejandroSí, lo haré ahora mismo, Sofía.Yes, I will do it right now, Sofía.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, es muy importante para el equipo.Thanks, Alejandro, it is very important for the team.
- AlejandroDe nada, ya está enviado.You're welcome, it is already sent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attach” translations and entries adjuntar, atachar, atachear, prender, unir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adjuntar, prender, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
