How do I say 'bow tie' in Spanish?

A bow tie is called corbata de moño in most of Latin America, or pajarita in Spain. Both terms are widely understood in their respective regions.

Is there a verb form of tie that works for all meanings?

There is no single Spanish verb that covers every sense of tie. You need atar or amarrar for physically tying something, empatar for tying in a game, and ponerse la corbata for putting on a necktie.

What is the difference between atar and amarrar?

Both mean to tie or fasten. Atar is more common in Spain and formal usage, while amarrar is preferred in Latin America and often implies tying something more securely, such as a boat to a dock.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Tie in Spanish

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Corbata · noun · kor-BAH-tah

The Spanish word for a necktie is corbata, while empate is used for a tie in sports, and the verbs atar or amarrar mean to tie something together.

kor-BAH-tah

Necesito una corbata para la entrevista.

I need a tie for the interview.

Tie in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for tie, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
corbata	tie	kor-BAH-tah	Default, widely understood
empate	tie		Universal — a tie or draw in a game or competition
lazo	tie		Universal — a bow or decorative tie
atar / amarrar	tie		Universal — verbs meaning to tie or fasten something

How Native Speakers Use Corbata

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Wearing a necktie to a formal event

Mi padre siempre usa corbata los domingos.

My father always wears a tie on Sundays.

Corbata refers specifically to the clothing accessory worn with a dress shirt.

Describing the result of a match

El partido terminó en empate, dos a dos.

The match ended in a tie, two to two.

When talking about sports or competitions, empate is the correct word for a draw.

Fastening something with a knot

¿Puedes atar este paquete con un lazo?

Can you tie this package with a ribbon?

The verb atar means to tie or fasten, while lazo refers to the bow or ribbon itself.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Corbata

Using corbata for a sports tie

Incorrect: El juego terminó en corbata.

Correct: El juego terminó en empate.

Corbata only means the clothing accessory. For a tie in a game or competition, you must use empate.

Confusing atar withatar in reflexive form

Incorrect: Me até la corbata. (when meaning 'I put on my tie')

Correct: Me puse la corbata. / Me até el nudo de la corbata.

Atar means to tie a knot, not to put on clothing. Use ponerse for wearing, or specify that you tied the knot (nudo).

Lock in Tie Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Corbata used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using corbata in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Necesito una corbata para la entrevista. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

Save, review, repeat, stay consistent

Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.

Common Questions About Tie in Spanish

How do I say 'bow tie' in Spanish?: A bow tie is called corbata de moño in most of Latin America, or pajarita in Spain. Both terms are widely understood in their respective regions.
Is there a verb form of tie that works for all meanings?: There is no single Spanish verb that covers every sense of tie. You need atar or amarrar for physically tying something, empatar for tying in a game, and ponerse la corbata for putting on a necktie.
What is the difference between atar and amarrar?: Both mean to tie or fasten. Atar is more common in Spain and formal usage, while amarrar is preferred in Latin America and often implies tying something more securely, such as a boat to a dock.