A bright red jacket with a zipper and pockets, hanging on a simple wooden hook.

chaqueta

cha-KAY-tah

jacket?a short coat worn for warmth or style

Also:blazer?a formal or semi-formal jacket, often part of a suit (especially in Spain),coat?sometimes used generally for outerwear, though 'abrigo' is more common for heavy coats

📝 In Action

Ponte la chaqueta antes de salir, hace mucho viento.

Put on your jacket before going out, it's very windy.

Olvidé mi chaqueta en el restaurante, es de lana.

I forgot my jacket in the restaurant, it's wool.

El uniforme incluye una chaqueta gris y pantalones oscuros.

The uniform includes a gray blazer and dark pants.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cazadora (casual jacket/bomber jacket)
saco (blazer/suit jacket (Latin America))

Common Collocations

una chaqueta de cuero – a leather jacket
quitarse la chaqueta – to take off one's jacket

Idioms & Expressions

calentarse la chaqueta (Spain, informal) – to get worked up, stressed, or angry about something

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Even though it ends in '-a,' remember that 'chaqueta' is always a feminine noun. You must use 'la' or 'una' before it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Jacket and Coat

Mistake: "Using 'chaqueta' for a very heavy winter coat."

Correction: For a long, heavy winter coat, the word 'abrigo' is usually better. 'Chaqueta' is typically shorter and lighter.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Versatile Word

In most everyday situations, 'chaqueta' works for any piece of outerwear that isn't a massive coat or a hooded sweatshirt ('sudadera').

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: chaqueta

Question 1 of 1

If you are freezing cold in the middle of winter, which item of clothing is most likely to be an 'abrigo' rather than a 'chaqueta'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

chaquetilla(small jacket; bolero) - noun

chaquetón(heavy/long coat; parka) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'chaqueta' and 'abrigo'?

Generally, 'chaqueta' refers to a short, waist-length garment (like a denim jacket or blazer), while 'abrigo' refers to a long, heavy coat intended for colder weather. Think of 'chaqueta' as 'jacket' and 'abrigo' as 'heavy coat.'

Is 'chaqueta' masculine or feminine?

'Chaqueta' is feminine, even though it refers to an object. You always use 'la chaqueta' or 'una chaqueta.'