jack
“jack” means “jack” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
jack
Also: car jack
📝 In Action
Necesito un jack para cambiar la llanta del coche.
B2I need a jack to change the car's tire.
El mecánico usó un jack hidráulico para levantar el vehículo.
C1The mechanic used a hydraulic jack to lift the vehicle.
jack
Also: socket, port
📝 In Action
Conecta los auriculares en el jack de 3.5 milímetros.
B2Plug the headphones into the 3.5 millimeter jack.
El amplificador tiene un jack de entrada y uno de salida.
C1The amplifier has an input jack and an output jack.
jack
📝 In Action
En el póker, el jack a veces se llama 'jota', pero algunos usan el término en inglés.
C1In poker, the jack is sometimes called 'jota', but some use the English term.
Tengo un par de jacks en la mano.
C1I have a pair of jacks in my hand.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: jack
Question 1 of 2
Your friend is trying to connect his new headphones to his phone. He asks you: '¿Dónde está el ______ para los auriculares?' Which word fits best?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
'Jack' is a direct borrowing from the English word 'jack'. Each of its meanings in Spanish corresponds to a specific meaning of the English word, adopted for technical or cultural reasons.
First recorded: 20th century
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'jack' a real Spanish word?
Yes and no. It's not a native Spanish word; it's an 'anglicismo,' a word borrowed directly from English. It is used and understood in specific contexts (like technology and mechanics), but Spanish often has its own native word that is more common in daily conversation (like 'gato' for a car jack).
How do I know which meaning of 'jack' is being used?
The context will always be your guide. If people are talking about cars, it's a lifting tool. If they're talking about music or computers, it's a connector. If they're playing cards, it's the card. The different situations are so distinct that it's rarely confusing.
So should I avoid using the word 'jack' in Spanish?
Not entirely! For audio/headphone connectors, 'jack' is very common and natural. For car jacks and playing cards, it's better to learn and use the standard Spanish words ('gato' and 'sota'/'jota') to sound more like a native speaker.