"Anillar" is a verb that means to put a ring on something or someone, to encircle or surround something with a ring, or to bind or fasten with a ring or rings. It is used in both oral and written Spanish. It is a common term, especially in contexts related to jewelry-making, bookbinding, or in a metaphorical sense when referring to surrounding or encircling something.
Example sentences
Voy a anillar este libro para proteger sus hojas.
Translation: I am going to put a ring binder on this book to protect its pages.
El joyero anilló la esmeralda con oro.
Translation: The jeweler set the emerald in a gold ring.
Anillaron el árbol para marcarlo como peligroso.
Translation: They put a ring around the tree to mark it as dangerous.
Idiomatic Expressions
Tocarle la campana a alguien. - To ruin someone's plans or to betray someone. Example:Siempre que intento algo, mi hermana me toca la campana. Translation: Whenever I try to do something, my sister ruins it for me.
Estar al tanto. - To be aware or to keep informed about something. Example:Por favor, házmelo saber para estar al tanto. Translation: Please let me know to keep me informed.
Dar en el clavo. - To hit the nail on the head, to get something exactly right. Example:Con esa idea, has dado en el clavo. Translation: With that idea, you hit the nail on the head.
Etymology
The term "anillar" comes from the noun "anillo" (ring) and the suffix "-ar," which is often used to form verbs in Spanish.