clavija telefónica
/klabixa telefonika/from spelling rules
The English phrase phone jack is translated into Spanish as clavija telefónica.
clavija telefónica refers to the plug at the end of a telephone cord that fits into a wall socket. The common alternative term enchufe telefónico can also be used to refer to the same object.
Which one should you use?
While clavija refers to the plug itself, the term toma de teléfono is often used to refer to the wall socket where the plug is inserted.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear conector telefónico for a phone jack.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, enchufe can be used as a slang term to describe a person who gets a job or a favor through personal connections or 'influence' rather than merit.
- The word clavija shares the same Latin root as clavícula, the Spanish word for the collarbone. Both derive from clavicula, which means 'small key'.
- While clavija describes a phone jack, it is also the standard term for the tuning pegs on stringed instruments like guitars and violins.
Examples in context
- Necesito instalar una toma de teléfono en la sala.I need to install a phone jack in the living room.
- El enchufe de la toma de teléfono está roto.The plug of the phone jack is broken.
- Necesito conectar la clavija telefónica a la pared.I need to connect the phone jack to the wall.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are setting up an old landline phone.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿dónde está la clavija telefónica?Alejandro, where is the phone jack?
- AlejandroCreo que está en el cajón.I think it is in the drawer.
- ElenaYa la encontré, pero la clavija telefónica está doblada.I found it, but the phone jack is bent.
- AlejandroEntonces tendremos que comprar otra.Then we will have to buy another one.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clavija, CC BY-SA 4.0.
