cadena
/kah-DEH-nah/
chain
The literal meaning of cadena is a physical 'chain' made of connected links.
📝 In Action
Necesito una cadena para atar mi bicicleta en la calle.
A2I need a chain to lock up my bike in the street.
Ella llevaba una cadena de oro muy elegante.
B1She was wearing a very elegant gold necklace.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Alert
Even though 'cadena' ends in '-a', remember that it is always a feminine noun, requiring 'la' or 'una'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Jewelry vs. Lock
When talking about jewelry, 'cadena' is often used for a simple chain, while 'collar' is used for a more decorative necklace.
Cadena can refer to a broadcast 'channel' or station, such as a TV channel.
cadena(noun)
channel
?TV or radio station
network
?broadcasting
,chain (of stores/hotels)
?business structure
📝 In Action
Pusieron las noticias en la cadena nacional a las ocho.
B1They put the news on the national channel at eight o'clock.
Hay una nueva cadena de supermercados abriendo en mi barrio.
B1There is a new supermarket chain opening in my neighborhood.
¿Qué cadena de hoteles es la más popular en España?
B2Which hotel chain is the most popular in Spain?
💡 Grammar Points
Business Context
When talking about businesses, 'cadena' refers to a group of stores or services owned by the same company, like 'Starbucks' or 'Hilton'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Cadena' and 'Canal'
Mistake: "Using 'canal' to mean a general TV network."
Correction: 'Cadena' is usually preferred for the overall broadcasting network (e.g., Telemundo), while 'canal' often refers to the specific frequency or number.
Cadena can also mean a 'series' or sequence of connected items or events.
📝 In Action
La cadena de eventos que llevó a la crisis fue larga y compleja.
B2The chain of events that led to the crisis was long and complex.
El error inicial desencadenó una cadena de reacciones inesperadas.
C1The initial mistake triggered a chain of unexpected reactions.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
This meaning uses the idea of a physical chain to describe how one event leads directly to the next, linking them together.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cadena
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'cadena' is used in the sentence: 'La cadena de montaje en la fábrica es muy eficiente.'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'cadena' siempre femenino?
Sí, 'cadena' es un sustantivo femenino. Siempre debes usar artículos femeninos con él, como 'la cadena' o 'una cadena'.
How do I say 'chain store'?
The most common way is 'una cadena de tiendas' (a chain of stores) or simply 'una cadena'. For example: 'Es una cadena de ropa muy popular' (It is a very popular clothing chain).