combinar
verbCEFR B2
What does “combinar” mean in English?
to combine, to blend
to combine, to blend (integrate two or more elements — combinar A con B)
Example sentences
El diseñador decidió combinar materiales tradicionales con tecnología de vanguardia para crear algo genuinamente innovador.
The designer decided to combine traditional materials with cutting-edge technology to create something genuinely innovative.
La propuesta combina incentivos económicos y medidas regulatorias para reducir las emisiones de carbono.
The proposal combines economic incentives and regulatory measures to reduce carbon emissions.
Es posible combinar los estudios con un trabajo a tiempo parcial si se organiza bien el tiempo.
It is possible to combine studying with part-time work if one organises one's time well.
How to use it
Combinar means 'to combine', 'to blend', or 'to mix'. It implies bringing two or more elements together to create something new or to make them work together. Common collocations: combinar colores (combine colours), combinar ingredientes (combine ingredients), combinar trabajo y vida familiar (combine work and family life). The reflexive combinarse means 'to go together well': 'estos colores se combinan perfectamente'. Don't confuse with mezclar (mix without necessarily integrating — e.g. mezclar las cartas) or fusionar (to merge/fuse — more permanent union).
Common mistake
Combinar (deliberately integrate two things to work together) differs from mezclar (mix more casually, or sometimes meaning 'to shuffle/jumble'). 'These colours go well together' = 'estos colores combinan bien' or 'estos colores se combinan bien' — the reflexive form emphasises natural harmony. Also: in clothing contexts, combinar is the key verb: 'combina la camisa con el pantalón' (pair the shirt with the trousers).