hácker
/ˈhakker/feminine, masculine, alternative form
The Spanish word for hacker is hácker. It is also spelled hacker or jacker. Wiktionary also lists jáquer and pirata informático.
Meaning: one who uses a computer to gain unauthorized access to data stored in, or to carry out malicious attacks on, computer networks or computer systems (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hácker | /ˈhakker/ | feminine, masculine, alternative form |
| hacker | /ˈxakeɾ/ | feminine, masculine, alternative form |
| jáquer | /ˈxakeɾ/ | feminine, masculine |
| pirata informático | /piɾata infoɾmatiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| jacker | /ʀ̥akˈker/ | feminine, masculine, alternative form |
| cacharrero | /kat͡ʃaˈreɾo/ | masculine |
A hacker is someone who uses a computer to gain unauthorized access to data stored in, or to carry out malicious attacks on, computer networks or computer systems.
Which one should you use?
While hacker is a commonly used anglicism, pirata informático is a more formal and descriptive Spanish term for someone who performs malicious cyberattacks. The forms hácker, hacker and jacker are all alternative spellings of jáquer.
How does it change in a sentence?
Even though hacker is an anglicism, you can use the feminine article la to refer to a female hacker, such as la hacker.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhakker/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the slang term cacharrero can be used to refer to someone who tinkers with machines or computers, much like the English term 'gearhead' or 'tinkerer'.
- The word pirata, used in the phrase pirata informático, shares an ancient root with the Greek word πειρᾱτής, which means 'one who attempts or tries'.
- In some Spanish-speaking tech circles, the word hacker is used positively to describe a creative problem solver, mirroring the original English meaning rather than the 'criminal' connotation of pirata informático.
Examples in context
- ¡Ese chiquilín es un hacker!That little kid is a hacker!This sentence is useful for identifying a person as a hacker.Tatoeba #1272080 by hayastan, translation #9888762 by DJ_Saidez
- Este es el hacker más famoso de la ciudad.This is the most famous hacker in the city.This sentence is useful for describing the most famous hacker in a location.Tatoeba #1015110 by hayastan, translation #10140925 by DJ_Saidez
- No existe contraseña que un buen hacker no pueda descifrar.There's no password a good hacker can't crack.This sentence is useful for describing the capabilities of a good hacker regarding passwords.Tatoeba #10713117 by saverius, translation #10714036 by DJ_Saidez
- Conozco a un hackeador muy talentoso que puede ayudarnos con esto.I know a very talented hacker who can help us with this.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing a recent data breach in the news.
- LucíaDicen que un hácker robó los datos.They say a hacker stole the data.
- DanielEs increíble lo que puede hacer un hácker.It is incredible what a hacker can do.
- LucíaTengo miedo de que sea un hácker profesional.I am afraid it is a professional hacker.
- DanielSolo espero que atrapen al hácker pronto.I just hope they catch the hacker soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hacker” translations and entries hácker, hacker, jáquer, jacker, cacharrero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hacker, informático, jáquer, pirata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
