gato
/ˈɡato/masculine
In Spanish, the English word "jack" (referring to a device for raising and supporting heavy objects) is translated as gato. Wiktionary also lists gata and cric.
Meaning: device for raising and supporting a heavy object (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gato | /ˈɡato/ | masculine |
| gata | /ˈɡata/ | feminine |
| cric | /kɾik/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
Note that in Spanish, gato is a homonym that also means "cat". If you are looking for the name "Jack", the most common formal equivalent is Juan, though other names like Jacobo, Jacob or Santiago can serve as anglicized forms of Jacques.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form gato is the standard term, while the feminine form gata is also listed. cric is another masculine noun used for this device.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
gato is a masculine noun and gata is a feminine noun. cric is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡato/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that gato is a homonym. It can mean both a "jack" (the tool) and a "cat" (the animal).
Did you know?
- In Madrid, a person born and raised in the city is called a gato, meaning a 'cat'.
- The word gato has multiple etymologies, meaning it could stem from the animal 'cat' or be a loanword from the French word for 'cake', gâteau.
- The term cric is an onomatopoeic word that mimics the clicking sound the device makes when it is used.
Examples in context
- Jack tiene un gato y un loro en su casa.Jack keeps a cat and a parrot at home.This sentence illustrates that gato can also mean "cat".Tatoeba #2440984 by hayastan, translation #53129 by CN
- No sabía cómo usar el gato para levantar el coche.I didn't know how to lift the car with the jack.This sentence shows how to use gato to describe lifting a car.Tatoeba #5748732 by arh, translation #9400593 by DJ_Saidez
- Este es el perro que perseguía al gato que acosaba al ratón que vivía en la casa que Jack construyó.This is the dog that chased the cat that stalked the mouse that lived in the house that Jack built.This sentence uses gato in a complex sentence structure.Tatoeba #1686276 by marcelostockle, translation #1686062 by gleki
- ¡Hola, Jaimito! ¿Cómo estás?Hello, Jaimito! How are you?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is trying to change a flat tire on the side of the road.
- Sofía¿Necesitas ayuda con el coche, Alejandro?Do you need help with the car, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, no encuentro el gato en el maletero.Yes, I can't find the jack in the trunk.
- SofíaYo tengo un gato en mi coche.I have a jack in my car.
- AlejandroGracias, Sofía, me salvas la vida.Thanks, Sofía, you're saving my life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jack” translations and entries gato, gata, 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 gata, gato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
