Inklingo

eslabón

es-la-BOHNeslaˈβon

eslabón means link in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

link

Also: ring
NounmB1
A single, sturdy metal link from a thick iron chain.

📝 In Action

La cadena se rompió porque un eslabón estaba oxidado.

A2

The chain broke because one link was rusty.

Necesito unir estos dos eslabones de la pulsera.

B1

I need to join these two links of the bracelet.

Cada eslabón de acero es forjado a mano.

B2

Each steel link is forged by hand.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • eslabón de la cadenalink of the chain
  • eslabón de acerosteel link

link

Also: element, bond
NounmB2
Two puzzle pieces fitting perfectly together to connect two separate sections.

📝 In Action

Este testigo es el eslabón clave para resolver el crimen.

B2

This witness is the key link to solving the crime.

Falta un eslabón en la cadena de mando.

B2

A link is missing in the chain of command.

La educación es un eslabón fundamental para el progreso.

C1

Education is a fundamental link for progress.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • conexión (connection)
  • vínculo (bond/link)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • eslabón perdidomissing link
  • eslabón débilweak link

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser el eslabón más débilto be the part of a group that is most likely to fail

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: eslabón

Question 1 of 3

Which of the following is the correct plural form of 'eslabón'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
eslabonar(to link together)Verb
deseslabonar(to unlink)Verb
eslabonamiento(linking/concatenation)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
corazóncampeónrazón
📚 Etymology

From the Old Spanish word 'eslavón', which likely comes from a Germanic root meaning a ring or a metal piece used for striking fire.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: elo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'eslabón' only mean a metal ring?

No! While it literally refers to a ring in a chain, it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean a 'step' or 'connection' in a sequence, like in an investigation or a process.

Is 'eslabón' masculine or feminine?

It is masculine. You should always say 'el eslabón' or 'un eslabón'.

How do I say 'weakest link' in Spanish?

You say 'el eslabón más débil'. It is used exactly like the English expression to describe a person or part that might cause the whole group to fail.