enchufe
/enˈt͡ʃufe/
The Spanish word for electrical outlet is enchufe.
The term refers to a socket in a wall that provides electricity for plugging in electrical devices.
What does it mean word for word?
The word enchufe is derived from the verb enchufar, which means to plug in.
Which one should you use?
While enchufe is commonly used to mean the outlet in the wall, it can also refer to the plug itself, which is the male connector on a cord.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, enchufe is the most common way to refer to the electrical outlet in a wall. The term toma de corriente is used in many Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in technical or formal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/enˈtʃufe/
Did you know?
- The word enchufe can also be used metaphorically in Spain to describe a 'connection' or a favor, similar to how an English speaker might talk about 'having a plug-in' to get a job.
- Spain uses Type C and F plugs, but many Latin American countries use the Type A or B plugs common in the US, meaning an enchufe from Spain will not fit in Mexico without an adapter.
- If you are looking for an outlet in Mexico, you are more likely to ask for a contacto than a enchufe.
Examples in context
- Por favor, necesito un enchufe para mi cargador de teléfono.Please, I need an electrical outlet for my phone charger.
- El hotel tiene tomacorrientes cerca de las mesas de noche.The hotel has electrical outlets near the nightstands.
- Disculpe, ¿dónde puedo encontrar un enchufe?Excuse me, where can I find an electrical outlet?
- ¿Hay algún tomacorriente disponible en esta sala?Is there any electrical outlet available in this room?
- Hay muchos enchufes en el aeropuerto.There are many electrical outlets at the airport.
- La biblioteca cuenta con tomacorrientes en todas las áreas comunes.The library has electrical outlets in all common areas.
- El enchufe está muy cerca de la cama.The electrical outlet is very close to the bed.
- ¿Dónde hay un enchufe en esta sala?Where is there an electrical outlet in this room?
- Necesito un enchufe para mi cargador.I need an electrical outlet for my charger.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are in a hotel room trying to charge their phones.
- AlejandroNo encuentro ningún enchufe por aquí.I can't find any electrical outlet around here.
- LucíaMira, hay un enchufe detrás de la mesa.Look, there is an electrical outlet behind the table.
- Alejandro¡Gracias! Mi teléfono tiene muy poca batería.Thanks! My phone has very little battery.
- LucíaQué bueno que lo encontraste, Alejandro.I'm glad you found it, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry enchufe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
