cables de arranque
/kables de aranke/from spelling rules
The English phrase "jumper cables" is translated into Spanish as cables de arranque.
cables de arranque refers to the heavy electrical cables used to start a vehicle with a dead battery using another vehicle's battery. While this term names the physical object, the action of using them is commonly expressed with the verb phrase pasar corriente, which means "to pass current".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cables (cables) and de arranque (of starting/start), literally meaning "starting cables".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of Colombia, the term Pasacorriente is used to designate jumper cables.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American regions, you may hear people use the term puente (bridge) to describe the connection made by the cables.
- The word arranque comes from the verb arrancar, which can also mean 'to tear off' or 'to rip out' in other contexts.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, asking for help to jump-start a car involves the phrase dar corriente (to give current) or pasar corriente (to pass current).
Examples in context
- Necesito cables para arrancar un autoI need cables to start a car
- Disculpa, ¿tienes cables de puente?Excuse me, do you have jumper cables?
- ¿Podrías prestarme tus cables de arranque?Could you lend me your jumper cables?
- ¿Dónde puedo conseguir pinzas para arrancar el auto?Where can I get jumper cables to start the car?
- Oye, necesito cables de batería. ¿Tienes alguno a mano?Hey, I need jumper cables. Do you have any on hand?
- Me quedé sin batería, ¿me pasas esos cables para puentear?My battery died, can you pass me those jumper cables?
- ¿Tienes cables de arranque? Necesito pasar corriente a mi coche.Do you have jumper cables? I need to jump-start my car.
- Necesito unos cables de arranque para mi coche.I need some jumper cables for my car.
- ¿Tienes cables de arranque en el maletero?Do you have jumper cables in the trunk?
- Los cables de arranque están en la caja de herramientas.The jumper cables are in the toolbox.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are in a parking lot because Alejandro's car won't start.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿tienes cables de arranque en tu coche?Lucía, do you have jumper cables in your car?
- LucíaSí, los tengo en el maletero.Yes, I have them in the trunk.
- AlejandroGracias, mi batería está totalmente muerta.Thanks, my battery is totally dead.
- LucíaNo hay problema, Alejandro, te ayudo.No problem, Alejandro, I will help you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arranque, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
