hacha
/AH-chah/
axe
An axe, the most common translation of hacha, used for chopping wood.
📝 In Action
El leñador afiló el hacha antes de ir al bosque.
A1The lumberjack sharpened the axe before going to the forest.
Necesitas un hacha para cortar esa madera gruesa.
A2You need an axe to cut that thick wood.
Las hachas estaban colgadas en la pared del cobertizo.
B1The axes were hanging on the wall of the shed.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'El Hacha' Rule
Even though 'hacha' is a feminine noun, we use the masculine article 'el' in the singular (e.g., 'el hacha') to avoid clashing sounds. However, it remains feminine, so use 'las' in the plural ('las hachas') and feminine adjectives ('el hacha afilada').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong article in plural
Mistake: "Los hachas son viejos."
Correction: Las hachas son viejas. (The plural article and adjective must be feminine.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Gender
Think of 'hacha' as 'the feminine word that borrowed a masculine article' to help you remember that any descriptive words (adjectives) must still be feminine.
The word hacha can also mean a 'whiz' or someone who is exceptionally skilled in a field.
📝 In Action
Mi primo es un hacha en la programación de computadoras.
B2My cousin is a whiz at computer programming.
Ella es un hacha para los negocios, siempre cierra los mejores tratos.
C1She is an ace at business; she always closes the best deals.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender remains Feminine
Even when referring to a man, 'hacha' keeps its feminine gender (el/un hacha). You treat the person as the object (the axe) that performs the action well.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Ser'
This meaning is almost always used with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe a permanent quality: 'Él es un hacha.'
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: hacha
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the article and adjective with 'hacha' (axe)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I use 'el' before 'hacha' if it is a feminine word?
This is a special rule in Spanish for feminine nouns that start with a stressed 'a' or 'ha' sound (like 'agua' or 'águila'). We use 'el' instead of 'la' purely for pronunciation—it sounds better and flows more easily. But remember, the word itself is still feminine!
Can I use 'hacha' to describe a woman who is skilled?
Yes! The figurative meaning 'whiz' or 'ace' is gender-neutral. You would say 'Ella es un hacha en la cocina' (She is an ace in the kitchen).