gancho
/ˈɡant͡ʃo/masculine
The English word hook is translated into Spanish as gancho. Wiktionary also lists garfio and corvo.
Meaning: rod bent into a curved shape (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gancho | /ˈɡant͡ʃo/ | masculine |
| garfio | /ˈɡaɾfjo/ | masculine |
| corvo | /ˈkoɾbo/ | masculine |
| raño | /raɲo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| garabito | /ɡaɾabito/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The noun forms refer to a rod bent into a curved shape. If you are describing the action of hooking, catching or snagging something, use the verb enganchar. Additionally, the term enganche can be used to mean a fastener or a clasp. The verb enganchar is also used to mean attaching a hook to something.
Which one should you use?
gancho is the most common and versatile word for a general-purpose hook, such as a small metal hook or a coat hook. In contrast, garfio refers to a larger, often heavier or more specialized hook, such as a grappling hook or a large metal hook used in heavy lifting. The pack also lists corvo, raño and garabito as masculine forms for hook.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡantʃo/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, enganchar can be used as slang to mean becoming addicted to something or getting 'hooked' on a habit.
- The word garfio actually traces its origins back to the Latin 'graphium', which refers to a writing instrument or stylus.
- The word gancho is used in Spanish to describe a clothes hanger, whereas English uses two different words for a 'hook' and a 'hanger'.
Examples in context
- Cuelga tu abrigo en el gancho.Hang your coat on the hook.This sentence shows how to use gancho for hanging a coat.Tatoeba #1729084 by marcelostockle, translation #21245 by CK
- Cuelga tu sombrero en el gancho.Hang your hat on the hook.This sentence shows how to use gancho for hanging a hat.Tatoeba #2437912 by marcelostockle, translation #321125 by CK
- ¿Es un garfio de verdad?Is it a real hook?This sentence uses garfio to ask about the authenticity of a hook.Tatoeba #8666803 by ajje, translation #8666804 by ajje
- La película tiene un gancho interesante al principio.The movie has an interesting hook at the beginning.
- Necesito un enganche para asegurar las dos partes juntas.I need a hook to secure the two parts together.
- El broche es el enganche perfecto para el cinturón.The buckle is the perfect hook for the belt.
- El personaje principal tiene un garfio en lugar de una mano.The main character has a hook instead of a hand.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are in a craft store.
- MateoNecesito un gancho para este adorno.I need a hook for this decoration.
- Lucía¿Quieres el gancho plateado o el negro?Do you want the silver or the black hook?
- MateoEl gancho plateado me gusta más.I like the silver hook more.
- LucíaPerfecto, lo pongo en el carrito.Perfect, I will put it in the cart.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hook” translations and entries gancho, garfio, corvo, 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 corvo, gancho, garfio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
