Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| enchufe | /enˈt͡ʃufe/ | masculine |
| clavija | /klaˈbixa/ | masculine |
| plug | /pluɡ/ (from spelling rules) | Cuba, masculine |
| plag | /plaɡ/ (from spelling rules) | US, masculine |
| plog | /ploɡ/ (from spelling rules) | US, masculine |
| ploga | /ploɡa/ (from spelling rules) | US, feminine |
In common conversation across many Spanish-speaking countries, enchufe is the most common word used for both the plug and the wall socket in everyday conversation. In technical or precise contexts, clavija refers specifically to the male connector (the plug), whereas enchufe is often used more broadly for the whole connection or the socket.
Which one should you use?
While enchufe can mean the plug, it is very frequently used to refer to the electrical socket or outlet itself. In Spain, 'conector' is used to refer to a plug in technical contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cuba, the word plug is used to refer to an electric plug. In some US-based contexts, the phonetic spelling plag is used to refer to a plug.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms enchufe, clavija, plug, plag and plog are masculine nouns, while ploga is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/enˈtʃufe/
Did you know?
- Beyond electricity, the word enchufe is frequently used in slang to describe a corrupt favor or a well-placed connection that helps someone get a job or a privilege.
- The word clavija is a linguistic relative of the English word 'clavicle', the bone in your collarbone. Both words descend from the Latin term for a small nail or pin.
- The word clavija is used not only for electrical plugs but also for the tuning pegs used to tighten strings on a guitar or violin.
Examples in context
- Mi clavija no entra en ese enchufe.My plug won't fit in that socket.This sentence shows how to describe a plug and a socket using enchufe.Tatoeba #7038094 by arh, translation #9165329 by DJ_Saidez
- Nunca pongas los dedos en el enchufe.Never plug your finger into the socket.This sentence provides a safety warning regarding the enchufe.Tatoeba #5157527 by don_ramon, translation #3253803 by mervert1
- Desconecta el enchufe.Disconnect the plug.This sentence shows how to use the verb with enchufe to mean disconnect.Tatoeba #1604687 by marcelostockle, translation #1604686 by marcelostockle
- Por favor, ¿dónde está el enchufe más cercano?Please, where is the nearest plug?
- Necesito un adaptador de enchufe para mi ordenador.I need a plug adapter for my computer.
- El cargador tiene una clavija grande.The charger has a big plug.
- No encuentro el contacto para conectar la licuadora.I can't find the plug to connect the blender.
- El conector del cargador es muy pequeño.The plug of the charger is very small.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are in a hotel room.
- JavierMaría, ¿ves un enchufe por aquí?María, do you see a plug around here?
- MaríaSí, hay uno junto a la cama.Yes, there is one next to the bed.
- JavierPerfecto, necesito cargar mi teléfono.Perfect, I need to charge my phone.
- MaríaYo también lo necesito.I need it too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plug” translations and entries enchufe, clavija, 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 clavija, enchufe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
