atar
/aˈtaɾ/
The English phrase 'tie up' is translated into Spanish as atar.
The verb atar means to secure with rope, etc.
Meaning: to secure with rope, etc. (verb)
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 up. The gerund form of atar is atando, used to express the continuous action of tying something up.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the phrase atar con alambre is a cultural idiom used to describe a temporary or makeshift fix that barely works.
- The word atar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'apt', which describes something that is suitable or appropriate.
- While atar means to tie, the phrase atar los cabos is used figuratively to mean 'connecting the dots' or resolving a mystery.
Examples in context
- Por favor, amarre el barcoPlease tie up the boat
- Amarre su bicicleta a la cercaTie up your bicycle to the fence
- Aten bien las cuerdasTie the ropes tightly
- Amárrate bien los zapatosTie your shoes properly
- Voy a amarrar la cuerda al posteI'm going to tie the rope to the post
- No puedo anudar bien esta corbataI can't tie this tie properly
- Anuda los extremos del cordónTie the ends of the cord
- Tienes que atar bien los zapatos.You have to tie your shoes well.
- Tengo que atar el paquete con cuerda.I have to tie up the package with rope.
- Ella va a atar los perros al árbol.She is going to tie up the dogs to the tree.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are preparing a boat for the lake.
- DanielLucía, ¿puedes ayudarme a atar el bote?Lucía, can you help me tie up the boat?
- LucíaSí, Daniel. ¿Dónde está la cuerda?Yes, Daniel. Where is the rope?
- DanielEstá aquí, vamos a atar el nudo.It is here, let's tie the knot.
- LucíaListo, ahora el bote está seguro.Done, now the boat is secure.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry atar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
