cadena
/kaˈdena/feminine
The Spanish word for chain is cadena.
cadena refers to a series of interconnected rings or links. It is also used in common expressions such as cadena de televisión to mean a television network, or cadena de montaje to mean an assembly line.
Meaning: series of interconnected rings or links (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
cadena is a feminine noun, meaning it must be used with feminine articles such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈdena/
Did you know?
- The word 'cadena' is frequently used in the phrase 'cadena perpetua', which is the Spanish term for a 'life sentence' in prison.
- While 'cadena' is the standard noun, an English speaker might be surprised to find that 'eslabón' is the specific word used for a single 'link' in that chain.
- The Spanish word cadena is a direct cognate of the English 'chain', as both stem from the Latin 'catēna'.
Examples in context
- Empezó una reacción en cadena.It started a chain reaction.This sentence shows how to use cadena in the context of a chain reaction.Tatoeba #1744902 by Shishir, translation #1737381 by Spamster
- Ellos formaron una cadena humana.They formed a human chain.This sentence demonstrates the use of cadena to describe a human chain.Tatoeba #1517664 by marcelostockle, translation #1516154 by emory989
- Yanni quitó la cadena de la puerta.Yanni took the chain off the door.This sentence illustrates the use of cadena when referring to a physical chain on a door.Tatoeba #10024895 by manufrutos, translation #10023758 by Amastan
- El éxito de nuestra empresa se basa en una sólida cadena de suministro.The success of our company is based on a robust supply chain.
- ¿Viste la nueva cadena de comida rápida que abrieron en el centro?Did you see the new fast-food chain they opened downtown?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are looking at a bicycle in a garage.
- Elena¿Puedes arreglar la cadena de la bici, Mateo?Can you fix the bike chain, Mateo?
- MateoSí, pero la cadena está muy sucia.Yes, but the chain is very dirty.
- ElenaTe daré un trapo para que la limpies.I will give you a rag so you can clean it.
- MateoGracias, Elena, con esto será más fácil.Thanks, Elena, this will make it easier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chain” translations and entries cadena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cadena, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
