cables
/kables/from spelling rules
The English word 'wires' is translated into Spanish as cables.
In Spanish, cables refers to metal threads used to carry electricity from one place to another.
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between 'wire' (thin) and 'cable' (thick), Spanish often uses cable to refer to both thin electrical wires and thicker cables. If you are referring specifically to a thin, stiff metal wire (like a single strand of metal used in crafts or fencing), alambre is a more precise term than cable.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Colombia, alambres can specifically refer to steel wires.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is el cable, and the plural form is los cables.
How do you pronounce it?
/kables/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase echar un cable is used idiomatically to mean giving someone a helping hand, much like the English 'lend a hand'.
- While cable is the general term for electrical wires, the word filamento is used specifically for the tiny wire inside a light bulb that glows.
- When talking about a 'short circuit', Spanish speakers use the term cortocircuito, where corto refers to the electricity taking a shorter path through the cables than intended.
Examples in context
- El hombre conectó dos cables.The man connected two wires.This sentence shows how to use cables when connecting two objects.Tatoeba #1467787 by marcelostockle, translation #45273 by CK
- Los cables transmiten electricidad.Wires carry electricity.This sentence illustrates how cables are used to transmit electricity.Tatoeba #1467796 by marcelostockle, translation #279222 by CM
- Las marionetas se mueven por cables.The puppets are controlled by wires.This sentence demonstrates how puppets are controlled using cables.Tatoeba #1292176 by marcelostockle, translation #1543282 by Bah_Dure
- Necesito comprar algunos cables nuevos para mi equipo de sonido.I need to buy some new wires for my sound system.
- Los alambres de este dispositivo están dañados, por eso no funciona.The wires of this device are damaged, that's why it doesn't work.
- Los alambres de acero son muy resistentes, son excelentes para proyectos de construcción.Steel wires are very resistant, they are excellent for construction projects.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are looking at a damaged electrical installation.
- DanielTen cuidado con esos cables.Be careful with those wires.
- Lucía¿Están los cables muy pelados?Are the wires very stripped?
- DanielSí, los cables están dañados.Yes, the wires are damaged.
- LucíaNecesitamos comprar cables nuevos.We need to buy new wires.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
