encajar

Encajar is a Spanish verb from the -ar family that means to fit, to slot, or to be compatible or suitable. It can describe both physical fitting and figurative alignment: placing one object inside another with precision, or making an idea, plan, or person conform to a given framework. Examples include encajar una pieza en su hueco, una solución que encaja con el presupuesto, or una persona que encaja en la cultura de la empresa.

The term is widely used in everyday speech and in professional contexts such as engineering, design, and management. Common expressions include encajar en un grupo (to blend in), encajar con las expectativas (to align with expectations), and encajar dentro de un límite o plazo (to fit within a limit or deadline). In technical fields, encajar a menudo implies a proper fit between components, sometimes with notions of tolerances, such as encajar con holgura or encajar a presión.

Grammatical notes: Encajar is a regular verb of the -ar conjugation. Present indicative forms: encajo, encajas, encaja, encajamos, encajáis, encajan. Preterite: encajé, encajaste, encajó, encajamos, encajasteis, encajaron. Subjunctive: encaje, encajes, encaje, encajemos, encajéis, encajen. Imperative: encaja, encaje, encajemos, encajad, encajen.

See also: The noun encaje refers to lace or to the concept of a fit or interlocking, depending on context, and is related lexically but distinct from the verb encajar.