asociar
verbCEFR B2
What does “asociar” mean in English?
to associate, to link mentally
to associate, to link mentally (asociar A con B — connect two concepts)
Example sentences
Solemos asociar la creatividad con la libertad, pero la historia del arte demuestra que la restricción también puede ser un motor de innovación.
We tend to associate creativity with freedom, but the history of art shows that restriction can also be a driver of innovation.
El estudio asocia el consumo excesivo de azúcar con un mayor riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares.
The study links excessive sugar consumption with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Las dos empresas se asociaron para desarrollar conjuntamente la nueva plataforma digital.
The two companies joined forces to jointly develop the new digital platform.
How to use it
Asociar means 'to associate', 'to link', or 'to connect mentally'. The construction is asociar A con B: 'solemos asociar el éxito con el esfuerzo' (we tend to associate success with effort). The reflexive asociarse can mean 'to join forces / partner up' (a business sense) or 'to be associated with'. At B2, the cognitive/mental sense (linking ideas) and the formal partnership sense are both important. Key collocations: asociar una imagen con un concepto, asociar el nombre a la cara.
Common mistake
Asociar A con B is the standard structure — not *asociar A a B (that would be vincular). The verb relacionar is a close synonym and often interchangeable, but asociar tends to emphasise the mental/cognitive link while relacionar can cover any type of connection. Also: don't confuse asociarse (to become partners) with asociarse con (to associate oneself with someone's views — this can imply endorsement).