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cadenas

kah-DEH-nahs/kaˈðe.nas/

chains, shackles

Also: links
NounfA2
A simple illustration of three heavy, interlocking metal chain links.

📝 In Action

Necesitamos cadenas para asegurar la bicicleta.

A2

We need chains to secure the bicycle.

Puso las cadenas en los neumáticos por la nieve.

B1

He put the chains on the tires because of the snow.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • grilletes (fetters)
  • eslabones (links)

Common Collocations

  • cadenas de metal – metal chains
  • cadenas para la nieve – snow chains

network, chain

Also: channel
NounfB1
A stylized illustration of a broadcasting tower sending out radio waves across a landscape.

📝 In Action

Esta es una de las cadenas de supermercados más grandes del país.

B1

This is one of the largest supermarket chains in the country.

Las cadenas de televisión están cubriendo la noticia en vivo.

B1

The television networks are covering the news live.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • franquicias (franchises)
  • emisoras (broadcasters)

Common Collocations

  • cadenas hoteleras – hotel chains
  • cadenas de radio – radio networks

bonds, fetters

Also: slavery
NounfB2formal
An illustration showing two wrists tightly bound together by thick rope cuffs, symbolizing restriction or oppression.

📝 In Action

El pueblo rompió las cadenas de la tiranía.

B2

The people broke the chains of tyranny.

Las cadenas del pasado nos impiden avanzar.

C1

The bonds of the past prevent us from moving forward.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ataduras (ties/bonds)
  • opresión (oppression)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • romper las cadenas – to break the chains
  • cadenas invisibles – invisible bonds

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "cadenas" in Spanish:

bonds→chains→fetters→links→shackles→slavery→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: cadenas

Question 1 of 2

Which meaning of 'cadenas' is used in the sentence: 'Las cadenas hoteleras ofrecen muchos paquetes turísticos.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
cadena(chain (singular)) — Noun
encadenar(to chain up/to link) — Verb
encadenado(chained/linked) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin word *catēna*, which meant 'chain' or 'bond.' This origin explains why the Spanish word is used for physical links, figurative restrictions, and connected networks.

First recorded: Old Spanish (circa 13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: catenaFrench: chaîne

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'cadenas' used for a necklace?

While a necklace is a type of chain, the singular 'cadena' is used for 'necklace' ('una cadena'). The plural 'cadenas' is usually reserved for heavy-duty chains, tire chains, or the figurative meanings (networks, stores, or bonds).

How do I know if 'cadenas' means a TV network or a store?

Context is key. If the sentence mentions 'noticias,' 'programas,' or 'antena,' it means a TV/Radio network. If it mentions 'tiendas,' 'hoteles,' or 'franquicias,' it refers to a business chain.