tomacorriente
/tomakoˈrjente/
In Spanish, the phrase for "wall outlet" is tomacorriente.
A wall outlet is a device in a wall that provides electrical power to plugged-in appliances. Some people may use the variation Enchufe de Pared, which literally means "wall plug".
What does it mean word for word?
The word tomacorriente is a compound of toma (meaning take or grip) and corriente (meaning current), literally translating to "current taker".
Which one should you use?
The word enchufe can be used to refer to both the wall outlet and the plug at the end of a cord. In contrast, tomacorriente refers specifically to the socket in the wall.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, tomacorriente or toma de corriente are commonly used. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word enchufe is also frequently used to refer to the outlet itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural tomacorrientes for "wall outlets", simply add an s to the end of the compound word.
How do you pronounce it?
/tomakoˈrjente/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, tener enchufes is an idiom meaning to have influential connections or 'insiders' who can help you get a job.
- The word corriente used in tomacorriente also means 'common' or 'ordinary' in Spanish.
- The term tomacorriente functions as a verb-object compound, where the action of 'taking' is applied to the 'current'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, conecte el cargador al enchufe de pared.Please connect the charger to the wall outlet.
- Recuerda enchufar la lámpara en la toma de corriente.Remember to plug the lamp into the wall outlet.
- Déjame mostrarles cómo cambiar el enchufe / contacto.Let me show you how to change the wall outlet.
- No puedo encontrar un tomacorriente disponible.I can't find an available wall outlet.
- ¿Alguien tiene una toma de corriente libre?Does anyone have a free wall outlet?
- Busca el tomacorriente detrás del sofá.Look for the wall outlet behind the sofa.
- El tomacorriente no funciona bien.The wall outlet is not working well.
- Necesito un tomacorriente cerca de la cama.I need a wall outlet near the bed.
Example conversation
Alejandro is trying to charge his phone in the living room.
- María¿Dónde está el tomacorriente?Where is the wall outlet?
- AlejandroEstá debajo de la mesa, María.It is under the table, María.
- MaríaGracias, ya puedo cargar el teléfono.Thanks, now I can charge the phone.
- AlejandroDe nada, avísame si necesitas algo más.You're welcome, let me know if you need anything else.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tomacorriente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tomacorriente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
