unir
/uˈniɾ/
The English phrase 'unite' can be translated into Spanish using unir, aunar or cohesionar depending on the context.
Meaning: (transitive) to bring together as one (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| unir | /uˈniɾ/ |
| aunar | /auˈnaɾ/ |
| cohesionar | /koesjoˈnaɾ/ |
The primary way to express the idea of bringing things or people together is through the verb unir. This is the most versatile and common term for joining or uniting objects or people.
Which one should you use?
While unir is the general-purpose word for to join or unite, other forms have specific nuances. Aunar is typically used when talking about combining abstract concepts such as efforts, resources or forces. Cohesionar is a technical or scientific term used to describe the process of parts sticking together to form a cohesive whole.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unir is a regular -ir verb in its infinitive form. If you wish to say that people are uniting with one another, you should use the reflexive form unirse.
How do you pronounce it?
/uˈniɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the act of uniting a family is often symbolized by the sobremesa, the tradition of staying at the table long after a meal to talk.
- The verb unir shares its Latin ancestor ūnus with the English word 'one', making the act of uniting etymologically tied to the concept of singularity.
- The reflexive form unirse is used not just for people, but also when a person 'joins' a group or a club, whereas English uses two different verbs for 'uniting' and 'joining'.
Examples in context
- Las fuerzas armadas tienen el objetivo de unir a la nación.The armed forces have the objective of uniting the nation.
- El nuevo proyecto buscará unir a los diferentes sectores de la comunidad.The new project will seek to unite the different sectors of the community.
- Vamos a juntar a los equipos de trabajo para discutir el plan.We will unite the work teams to discuss the plan.
- Vamos a unirnos para luchar contra la injusticia.We're going to unite to fight against injustice.
- Todos deben sumar esfuerzos para lograr el éxito.Everyone should unite efforts to achieve success.
- Los países se unieron para formar una alianza.The countries united to form an alliance.
- Tú te unesYou unite
- Ellos se unenThey unite
- La música une a las personas.Music unites people.
- Debemos unir fuerzas para ganar.We must unite forces to win.
- El pegamento sirve para unir las piezas.The glue is used to unite the pieces.
- Ese evento puede unir a la comunidad.That event can unite the community.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a community project.
- DanielNecesitamos unir a los vecinos para limpiar el parque.We need to unite the neighbors to clean the park.
- ElenaTienes razón, Daniel. Yo puedo llamar a todos.You are right, Daniel. I can call everyone.
- Daniel¿Crees que aceptarán ayudarnos?Do you think they will agree to help us?
- ElenaSí, el deseo de mejorar el barrio nos va a unir.Yes, the desire to improve the neighborhood will unite us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unite” translations and entries unir, aunar, cohesionar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aunar, cohesionar, unir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
