eléctrico
/eˈleɡtɾiko/
The English word electric is translated into Spanish as eléctrico.
The word is an adjective meaning electrical. You can use it in various contexts, such as Los vehículos eléctricos (the electric vehicles), La motocicleta eléctrica (the electric motorcycle), electricidad solar (solar electricity) or electricidad renovable (renewable electricity). To describe a machine that runs on electricity, you can say Esta máquina funciona con electricidad.
Meaning: electrical (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word luz is often used to refer to electricity.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use eléctrica for feminine nouns like guitarra, and use eléctricos for masculine plural nouns like cables. For feminine plural nouns like bicicletas, use eléctricas.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈleɡtɾiko/
Did you know?
- When referring to the electric shock someone feels from a socket, Spanish speakers often use the noun calambre, which also means 'cramp'.
- The word eléctrico shares a root with the Greek word for 'amber'. This is because ancient Greeks discovered that rubbing amber created static electricity.
- In some Latin American countries, the phrase está eléctrico can be used colloquially to describe someone who is extremely nervous or hyperactive.
Examples in context
- El mío es eléctrico.Mine is electric.This sentence is useful for identifying something as electric using the form eléctrico.Tatoeba #5644163 by arh, translation #5827395 by arh
- Compré un auto eléctrico.I bought an electric car.This sentence shows how to say you bought an electric car using the form eléctrico.Tatoeba #1656907 by hayastan, translation #1655737 by Spamster
- Tiene un coche eléctrico.He has an electric car.This sentence demonstrates possession of an electric car using the form eléctrico.Tatoeba #6583998 by arh, translation #13020698 by araneo
- El coche es eléctrico.The car is electric.
- El edificio está electrificado.The building is equipped with electric power.
- ¡Mira este dispositivo eléctrico!Look at this electric device!
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are at a hardware store looking for supplies.
- Sofía¿Necesitas un cable eléctrico?Do you need an electrical cable?
- AlejandroNo, busco un motor eléctrico.No, I am looking for an electric motor.
- SofíaEse modelo es muy bueno.That model is very good.
- AlejandroSí, es un equipo eléctrico potente.Yes, it is a powerful electric piece of equipment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “electric” translations and entries eléctrico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eléctrico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
