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"Amarrar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to tie", and "atar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to tie". Learn more about the difference between "amarrar" and "atar" below.
amarrar(
ah
-
mah
-
rrahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to fasten)
c. to moor (nautical)
La tripulación amarró el barco en el puerto.The crew moored the boat in the harbor.
2. (to secure) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
b. to tie up (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
La empresa está haciendo lo necesario por amarrar el acuerdo.The company is doing everything necessary to tie up the agreement.
amarrarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
3. (to lace) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to tie
Mi hija acaba de aprender a amarrarse las agujetas.My daughter just learned how to tie her shoelaces.
atar(
ah
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to bind)
a. to tie
Voy a atar el perro a ese árbol para que pueda comprar un café. No me tardo.I'm going to tie the dog to that tree so I can buy a coffee. I won't be a minute.
b. to tie up
Ató las flores y las cargó en la espalda.She tied up the flowers and carried them on her back.
c. to tie down
Ataron sus muebles en la parte trasera de la camioneta.They tied down their furniture in the back of the truck.
2. (to impede)
a. to tie down
Tiene ganas de ver el mundo, pero su familia lo ata.He wants to see the world, but his family ties him down.
atarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
3. (to fasten)
a. to be tied to
No quiero atarme todavía a las responsabilidades de tener una familia.I don't want to be tied to the responsibilities of having a family yet.
