apegarse a
/apeɡaɾse a/from spelling rules
In Spanish, to stick to is apegarse a.
The phrase apegarse a is used for sticking to abstract concepts like plans, rules, principles or facts, rather than physical objects.
Meaning: persist, continue (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally composed of the reflexive verb apegarse (to cling or attach oneself) and the preposition a (to).
Which one should you use?
While apegarse a is used for sticking to ideas or plans, pegarse a is more commonly used for physical sticking or adhering to a surface.
How does it change in a sentence?
When apegarse a is followed by the masculine singular article el, they must contract into al.
How do you pronounce it?
/apeɡaɾse a/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, pegarse is used as slang to describe the act of kissing someone quickly or stealing a quick kiss.
- Depending on the region, pegarse can be used to mean 'to hit' or 'to strike', making the difference between 'sticking to' and 'hitting' a matter of context.
- In Mexico, using pegarse in the phrase pegarse un susto means to give oneself a fright, which has nothing to do with physical adhesion.
Examples in context
- Ellos han decidido apegarse al plan original después de todo.They have decided to stick to the original plan after all.This sentence is useful for showing how to use apegarse a with a plan.Tatoeba #1242662 by marcelostockle, translation #305358 by CM
- La ficción está obligada a apegarse a las posibilidades. La verdad no.Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities. Truth isn't.This sentence demonstrates using apegarse a in relation to possibilities.Tatoeba #1237036 by marcelostockle, translation #667907 by CK
- El equipo debe mantenerse firme en su estrategia para alcanzar el éxito.The team must stick to their strategy to achieve success.
- A pesar de las dificultades, siempre he permanecido leal a mis ideales.Despite the difficulties, I have always stuck to my ideals.
- Es importante seguir cumpliendo con nuestras responsabilidades laborales.It is important to stick to our work responsibilities.
- Tienes que apegarte a tus objetivos y no rendirte fácilmente.You have to stick to your goals and not give up easily.
- Siempre me atengo a las reglas establecidas por el equipo.I always stick to the rules set by the team.
- Vamos, no te salgas del guión y sigue adelante con tu presentación.Come on, don't deviate from the script and continue with your presentation.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a diet plan.
- LucíaEs difícil apegarse a esta dieta.It is hard to stick to this diet.
- JavierSí, pero los resultados valen la pena.Yes, but the results are worth it.
- Lucía¿Crees que Javier pueda lograrlo?Do you think Javier can manage it?
- JavierYo sé que puedo apegarse a ella.I know that I can stick to it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
