atar
/aˈtaɾ/
To bind in Spanish is atar. Wiktionary also lists ceñir.
Meaning: transitive to tie or fasten tightly together, with a cord, band, ligature, chain, etc. (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| atar | /aˈtaɾ/ |
| ceñir | /θeˈɲiɾ/ /seˈɲiɾ/ |
The verb atar is used for the transitive action of tying or fastening things together tightly using a cord, band, ligature or chain. You might also use sujetar if your intention is to hold or to secure an object.
Which one should you use?
Use atar for general tying or fastening things together with a cord or string. In contrast, ceñir is more specific and refers to tightening or girding something around a body or a waist.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, amarrar is used more frequently than atar to express the idea of binding. In Spain, you may encounter ligar when referring to joining or fastening something together.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of atar is atado, which can be used as an adjective to describe something that is tied.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb ligar, which means to bind or join, is the most common way to say 'to flirt' or 'to pick up' someone in Spain.
- In Spanish, the term ligadura refers to both a physical binding and a surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy.
- The verb atar shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'apt', which relates to something being fit or suitable for a purpose.
Examples in context
- Por favor, aten todos los documentos con una cuerda.Please bind all the documents with a string.
- Necesitamos enlazar estos dos cables para que funcione correctamente.We need to bind these two cables together for it to work properly.
- ¿Me ayudas a atar los cordones de mis zapatos?Can you help me tie my shoelaces?
- Agarra la cuerda y haz un nudo para que no se suelte.Grab the rope and tie a knot so that it doesn't come loose.
- Atar los cordones de los zapatos.To tie the shoelaces.
- Tengo que atar los paquetes con la cuerda.I have to bind the packages with the rope.
- ¿Puedes atar bien los zapatos de la niña?Can you tie the girl's shoes tightly?
- Ella va a atar el ramo con un lazo.She is going to bind the bouquet with a ribbon.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are preparing a gift.
- MateoAyúdame a atar este regalo, por favor.Help me bind this gift, please.
- MaríaClaro, Mateo, dame la cinta.Of course, Mateo, give me the ribbon.
- Mateo¿Crees que quedó muy apretado?Do you think it's too tight?
- MaríaNo, María cree que está perfecto.No, María thinks it is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bind” translations and entries atar, ceñir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atar, ceñir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
