sujetar
Lemma Details
Translation: to hold; to fasten; to secure; to restrain; to subject; to subdue
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'subjectāre', an intensive form of 'subjicere' meaning 'to throw under, to subject'. It's composed of 'sub' (under) + 'jacere' (to throw). This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'subject', 'subjection', and 'subjugate'. The connection between 'holding/fastening' and 'subjecting' comes from the idea of placing something under control or restraint.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Sujeta bien la cuerda para que no se caiga.
Hold the rope firmly so it doesn't fall.
Necesito sujetar estos papeles con un clip.
I need to fasten these papers with a clip.
La policía tuvo que sujetar al sospechoso.
The police had to restrain the suspect.
Todos debemos sujetarnos a las leyes.
We all must subject ourselves to the laws.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'subject' in English - when you 'sujetar' something, you're making it 'subject' to your control.
- Imagine 'su-jet-ar' as 'use a jet to hold' - jets are powerful, just like when you firmly hold something.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish, 'sujetar' is commonly used in everyday contexts for physically holding or fastening things, but also has more abstract uses related to control and restraint. The derived noun 'sujetador' has evolved to commonly mean 'bra' in Spain, showing how words can develop specialized meanings in different cultural contexts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'sujetar' means to physically hold or restrain something, 'subjetivar' means to make something subjective or to interpret something subjectively.
Confused word:
No debes subjetivar tanto la situación.
You shouldn't interpret the situation so subjectively.
Notes: Both words share the Latin root 'subjectus', but have evolved to have distinct meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Sujetar' deals with physical objects or concrete control; 'subjetivar' deals with mental perspectives.
Explanation: 'Sujetar' means to hold or restrain, while 'sugerir' means to suggest or propose.
Notes: These words look somewhat similar but have completely different meanings and etymologies.
Mnemonic: 'Sujetar' has a 't' like 'tight' (holding tight); 'sugerir' has a 'g' like 'give' (giving an idea).