cable
/ˈkable/masculine
The English word "wire" is translated into Spanish as cable.
The term cable refers to a metal conductor used to carry electricity. In technical contexts, it can also refer to thicker, insulated cables or coaxial cables. If you need to describe the action of equipping something with wires for electrical use, you can use the verb cablear.
Meaning: metal conductor that carries electricity (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cable is the standard term for an electrical wire, it often implies an insulated conductor. In contrast, alambre is generally used to describe thin, uninsulated metal wires, such as those used in crafts or for making fences.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, both cable and alambre are used to refer to a wire depending on the specific type being described.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb cablear is used specifically within the context of electrical installations, such as wiring a building or a device.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkable/
Did you know?
- The phrase cortar el cable is sometimes used to mean ending a relationship or stopping a communication flow abruptly.
- The word cable shares its ancestry with the French word câble, which originally referred to a thick rope used for anchoring.
- While cable refers to electrical wires, the word cable in Spanish can also mean a massive heavy rope used on ships, just like in English.
Examples in context
- Corta el cable rojo.Cut the red wire.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of cable when identifying a specific colored wire.Tatoeba #9816916 by Shishir, translation #3818511 by CK
- Tendimos un cable entre dos postes.We extended a wire between two posts.This sentence demonstrates using cable to describe an object extended between two points.Tatoeba #4463354 by cueyayotl, translation #263178 by mraz
- Dentro del cable hay hilos de cobre.There are copper threads within the wire.This sentence shows how to describe the contents inside a cable.Tatoeba #7645419 by arh, translation #10102086 by AlanF_US
- Necesitamos instalar nuevos cables en la oficina.We need to install new wires in the office.
- Necesito arreglar el cable de mis auriculares.I need to fix the wire on my headphones.
- Cuidado de no tropezar con el cordón de extensión.Be careful not to trip over the extension cord.
- Necesito comprar cable para mi proyecto casero.I need to buy wire for my DIY project.
- ¿Me puedes ayudar a desenredar este cable?Could you help me untangle this wire?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are in the living room trying to set up a new computer.
- Mateo¿Viste el cable de la computadora?Did you see the computer cable?
- SofíaSí, está debajo de la mesa.Yes, it is under the table.
- MateoGracias, Sofía. Lo encontré.Thanks, Sofía. I found it.
- SofíaPerfecto, ahora podemos conectar todo.Perfect, now we can connect everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wire” translations and entries cable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cable, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
