alicates
/alikates/from spelling rulesmasculine, plural
The English word "pliers" is alicates in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists alicate.
Meaning: gripping tool which multiplies the strength of the user's hand (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| alicates | /alikates/ (from spelling rules) | masculine, plural |
| alicate | /aliˈkate/ | masculine |
alicates refers to a gripping tool which multiplies the strength of the user's hand.
Which one should you use?
While alicates specifically refers to heavy-duty pliers, the term pinzas is used for broader tools like tweezers, tongs or smaller gripping tools.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form alicates is the most common way to refer to the tool, similar to how English uses "pliers" and it is a masculine noun. The singular form alicate is used to refer to a single tool or a single pair of pliers.
How do you pronounce it?
/alikates/
Did you know?
- The word alicates shares a common ancestor with the Arabic word laqqāṭ, which means 'something that picks up or captures'.
- The term pinzas can also refer to the claws of a crab or lobster, whereas alicates is strictly reserved for man-made tools.
- In some Latin American dialects, the word alicates may be replaced by pinzas even when referring to heavy industrial pliers.
Examples in context
- Esos alicates me fueron muy útiles.That pair of pliers came in handy.This sentence shows how to say that the alicates were useful.Tatoeba #9350663 by cristofolrovira, translation #954320 by CK
- ¿Cuántos alicates tenés?How many pairs of pliers do you have?This sentence is useful for asking how many alicates someone has.Tatoeba #1941521 by hayastan, translation #1821126 by Amastan
- Mi caja de herramientas contiene solo un alicate, un martillo y un destornillador.My toolbox contains only pliers, a hammer, and a screwdriver.This sentence uses the singular alicate to describe the contents of a toolbox.Tatoeba #6538858 by carlosalberto, translation #3217403 by Tabasco1999
- El electricista utiliza alicates para arreglar los cables.The electrician uses pliers to fix the wires.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are in the garage working on a project.
- Lucía¿Podés pasarme los alicates, Javier?Can you pass me the pliers, Javier?
- JavierSí, aquí tenés los alicates.Yes, here are the pliers.
- LucíaGracias, necesito cortar este cable.Thanks, I need to cut this wire.
- JavierTené cuidado de no lastimarte.Be careful not to hurt yourself.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pliers” translations and entries alicates, alicate, 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 alicate, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
