cable
/ˈkable/
The English word 'cord' (referring to electrical wires) is translated into Spanish as cable.
In Spanish, cable is the standard term for wires surrounded by a coating used to supply electricity. If you want to be more specific and refer to a 'power cord', you can use the phrase cable de alimentación.
Meaning: wires surrounded by a coating, used to supply electricity (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between a thin 'cord' and a thicker 'cable', Spanish speakers typically use cable for both electrical cords and heavy-duty cables. Another related term is cordón, but this is used for shoelaces or any type of thin cord rather than electrical wiring.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of cable is cables.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkable/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may be tempted to use the Spanish word cordón for electrical wires, but cordón usually refers to a string, lace or a decorative cord rather than an electrical cable.
Did you know?
- In nautical contexts, cable refers specifically to the heavy chain or rope used to anchor a ship, reflecting its history before electrical wires existed.
- While cable refers to electricity, the word cordón is used in anatomy to name the umbilical cord, or cordón umbilical.
- The word cable was borrowed into Spanish from the French word câble.
Examples in context
- No toques el enchufe del cable del aire acondicionado con las manos mojadas.Do not touch the plug of the AC power cord with wet hands.This sentence demonstrates the use of cable when discussing an air conditioning power cord.Tatoeba #11434046 by Eremon, translation #1695343 by DJ_Saidez
- Creo que esta lámpara tiene un mal contacto porque la luz se enciende solo al mover el cable.I think this lamp has a short because the light comes on only if I jiggle the cord.This sentence shows how to use cable when describing a faulty connection in a lamp.Tatoeba #5306932 by wallebot, translation #640837 by darinmex
- Por favor, dame la cuerda para atar el paquete.Please give me the cord to tie the package.
- Asegúrate de atar bien los cordones de tus zapatos.Make sure to tie your shoelaces tightly.
- Necesito una soga resistente para colgar la hamaca.I need a sturdy rope to hang the hammock.
- El cable de la televisión es muy corto.The television cable is very short.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are in the living room organizing the electronics.
- Javier¿Puedes pasarme el cable de la cámara?Can you pass me the camera cable?
- MaríaSí, Javier, aquí tienes.Yes, Javier, here you go.
- JavierGracias, María, este cable es nuevo.Thanks, María, this cable is new.
- MaríaMenos mal, porque el otro no funcionaba.Good thing, because the other one didn't work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cable, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
