gatos
“gatos” means “cats” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
cats
Also: felines
📝 In Action
Mis vecinos tienen tres gatos muy juguetones.
A1My neighbors have three very playful cats.
Los gatos duermen la mayor parte del día.
A2Cats sleep most of the day.
Vi unos gatos negros cruzando la calle anoche.
A1I saw some black cats crossing the street last night.
jacks
Also: hoists
📝 In Action
Necesitamos usar dos gatos para levantar ese coche.
B1We need to use two jacks to lift that car.
Los mecánicos tienen muchos gatos hidráulicos en el taller.
B2The mechanics have many hydraulic jacks in the shop.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: gatos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'gatos' to refer to a tool?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Late Latin word *cattus*, which was used to describe the domesticated feline. The meaning 'lifting jack' developed later, likely because the tool's early mechanisms resembled the pouncing or clawing action of a cat.
First recorded: 4th century (Late Latin)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'gatos' means animals or tools?
The context will always tell you! If you are talking about pets, sleeping, or meowing, it means cats. If you are talking about cars, garages, or construction, it means jacks (lifting tools).
Is 'gatos' the plural of 'gasto' (expense)?
No, that is a common mistake! 'Gatos' (with a 't') is the plural of 'gato' (cat or jack). The plural of 'gasto' (expense) is 'gastos' (with an 's').