establecer
verbCEFR B2High frequency
What does “establecer” mean in English?
to establish, to lay down
to establish, to lay down (to set up rules, agreements, frameworks, or records; broader than fundar)
Example sentences
El tratado establece un mecanismo de resolución de conflictos al que ambas partes pueden recurrir.
The treaty establishes a conflict-resolution mechanism that both parties can invoke.
Hay que establecer prioridades claras antes de asignar los recursos disponibles al proyecto.
Clear priorities need to be established before allocating the available resources to the project.
Una vez establecida la confianza entre las partes, la negociación avanzó con mayor fluidez.
Once trust between the parties had been established, the negotiation proceeded more smoothly.
How to use it
Establecer means 'to establish', 'to set up', or 'to lay down'. At B2 it is a formal multipurpose verb: establecer un marco (establish a framework), establecer un precedente (set a precedent), establecer una norma (lay down a rule). It takes a direct object. The reflexive establecerse (en) means 'to settle' or 'to set up' in a place: la empresa se estableció en Madrid. The noun is el establecimiento. Don't confuse with fundar (to found — implies an institution being created from scratch) — establecer is broader and can apply to agreements, rules, connections, and practices.
Common mistake
Establecer is broader than fundar (found) or crear (create). You can establecer rules, agreements, records, procedures, and connections — not just institutions. The reflexive establecerse en a place (the company established itself in…) is a distinct and common pattern. Establecer un récord = to set a record, not *poner un récord in formal register.