atar

to tie

atar(ah-tahr)

transitive verb

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.

d. to tether (livestock)

Gary ató su caballo a un poste.

Gary tethered his horse to a post.

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

pronominal verb

3. (to fasten)

a. to tie

Átate los cordones o vas a tropezar y caerte.

Tie your laces or you'll trip and fall.

b. to do up

¿No sabes atarte las deportivas tú solo?

Can't you do up your sneakers by yourself?

c. to tie up

Se ató el cabello con una cinta azul.

She tied up her hair with a blue ribbon.

4. (to be impeded by)

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.