Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| juntar | /xunˈtaɾ/ |
| recoger | /rekoˈxeɾ/ |
| recabar | /rekaˈbaɾ/ |
| recabdar | /rekabdaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| allegar | /aʝeˈɡaɾ/ |
In Spanish, the choice of word for 'gather' depends on whether you are bringing things together, collecting scattered items or soliciting information. While juntar is the verb for joining or gathering, the adverb juntos is used to describe people or things being 'together' in a state of unity.
Which one should you use?
Use juntar when the focus is on the act of bringing two or more separate things into contact or proximity with each other. Use recoger when the focus is on picking up items from a surface or collecting things that are scattered, such as fruit, wood or trash. Use recabar when referring to the abstract gathering of information, evidence or signatures.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, acopiar may be used to mean gather.
How does it change in a sentence?
The reflexive form juntarse is commonly used to mean 'to meet up' or 'to gather together' in a social context.
How do you pronounce it?
/xunˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- While juntar means to gather, the reflexive form juntarse is often used as a euphemism for starting a romantic relationship or living together.
- The verb recabar contains a hidden etymological connection to the word for 'head', as it likely stems from the Latin 'capus'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, recoger is used not just for gathering objects but also for 'picking up' a person in a car.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedes juntar todos los papeles?Can you gather all of the papers together?This sentence is useful for asking someone to gather papers together using juntar.Tatoeba #2042080 by marcelostockle, translation #681058 by Source_VOA
- Quisiera que me ayudaras a recoger algo de leña.I'd like you to help me gather some firewood.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to gather firewood using recoger.Tatoeba #5521906 by baudelaire, translation #953781 by CK
- Quédate aquí conmigo y sé mi amigo, y vamos a jugar deliciosas partidas juntos, y todos los días vamos a ir a recoger fresas.Stay here with me and be my friend, and we will play delightful games together, and every day we will go and gather strawberries.This sentence is useful for describing the action of gathering strawberries using recoger.Tatoeba #4600187 by DarkHollow, translation #4597400 by Hybrid
- Los empleados se reunieron en la sala de juntasThe employees gathered in the conference room
- Agrupa todas las sillas en un solo rincónGather all the chairs in one corner
- Vamos a juntarnos en el parqueLet's gather at the park
- Los amigos se reúnen cada viernes en el barFriends gather every Friday at the bar
- Los científicos se reunieron para debatir los resultados de la investigaciónThe scientists gathered to discuss the research results
- Vamos a juntarnos en mi casa para ver una películaLet's gather at my place to watch a movie
- Los niños amontonaron juguetes en el suelo antes de empezar a jugarThe children gathered toys on the floor before starting to play
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are tidying up a shared workspace.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes juntar los libros en la mesa?Lucía, can you gather the books on the table?
- LucíaSí, Javier, ahora mismo los junto.Yes, Javier, I will gather them right now.
- JavierGracias, así tendremos el escritorio más despejado.Thanks, that way we will have a clearer desk.
- LucíaDe nada, me gusta tener todo en orden.You're welcome, I like to have everything in order.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gather” translations and entries juntar, recoger, recabar, recabdar, allegar, 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 juntar, recabar, recabdar, recoger, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
