How to Say “Car Jack” in Spanish

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gato
/ˈɡato/
The English phrase 'car jack' is translated into Spanish as gato.
A gato is a mechanical device used to lift a vehicle off the ground for repairs. If you need to specify that you are talking about a hydraulic car jack, you can use the phrase gato hidráulico.

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, gato is the same word used for the animal 'cat'.

Which one should you use?

In a mechanical context, gato refers to a car jack, whereas in a biological context, it refers to the animal (cat).

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Argentina and Uruguay, the word crique is used for 'car jack'.

How does it change in a sentence?

The plural form of gato is gatos.

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈɡato/

Did you know?

  • Depending on the context, the word gato can also be a borrowing from the French word gâteau, which means 'cake'.
  • While gato means 'car jack' or 'cat', it can also be used as a slang term in some Spanish-speaking countries to describe a 'lackey' or a person who does menial tasks for another.

Examples in context

  • El gato estaba sobre la mesa.
    The car jack was on the table.
    This sentence shows the placement of the gato.
    Tatoeba #1290448 by Espi, translation #1756275 by Shishir
  • Recuerda llevar el gato hidráulico en el maletero del coche.
    Remember to carry the hydraulic jack in the car trunk.
  • Un gato hidráulico permite levantar un automóvil de forma segura.
    A hydraulic jack allows you to lift a car safely.
  • ¿Sabes dónde está el gato? Necesito cambiar una rueda pinchada.
    Do you know where the jack is? I need to change a flat tire.
  • Voy a chequear si el gato está en el maletero antes de salir.
    I'm going to check if the jack is in the trunk before leaving.
  • ¿Podrías pasarme el crique? Necesito levantar el auto para cambiar el neumático.
    Could you hand me the car jack? I need to lift the car to change the tire.
  • Necesito un gato para cambiar la rueda.
    I need a jack to change the wheel.
  • El gato del coche está en el maletero.
    The car jack is in the trunk.

Example conversation

Elena and Javier are in the driveway next to a car with a flat tire.

  1. Elena

    ¿Tienes el gato en el coche, Javier?
    Do you have the jack in the car, Javier?
  2. Javier

    Sí, lo voy a buscar ahora mismo.
    Yes, I am going to look for it right now.
  3. Elena

    Gracias, no puedo levantar el coche sin él.
    Thanks, I cannot lift the car without it.
  4. Javier

    Aquí lo tienes, ya lo encontré.
    Here it is, I already found it.

Sources

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Fannie Tracey
Fannie TraceyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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