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How to Say "cables" in Spanish

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cables

/kah-bles//ˈkaβles/

nounA1general
Use this word for electrical wires, data transmission lines, or structural support cables like those on a suspension bridge.
A close-up of several thick, brightly colored electrical cables bundled together, including red, blue, and yellow wires.

Examples

El electricista revisó todos los cables de la casa.

The electrician checked all the house's cables.

Todos los cables de la televisión están detrás del mueble.

All the television cables are behind the furniture.

Necesitas cables de arranque para encender el coche.

You need jumper cables (starting cables) to start the car.

El técnico dijo que un par de cables estaban mal conectados.

The technician said a couple of wires were badly connected.

Masculine Plural

Since 'cable' ends in -e, the plural is formed by adding -s. Remember it’s a masculine word, so use 'los' or 'unos' before it.

Using 'cuerda'

Mistake: “Using 'cuerdas' for electrical wires.”

Correction: 'Cuerdas' means rope or string. Use 'cables' for anything conducting electricity or used for communication.

cuerdas

KWEHR-dahs/ˈkweɾðas/

nounA1general
Use this word for thick, strong ropes used for tying, climbing, or securing heavy objects, not for electrical or data transmission.
A thick, heavy, brown braided rope is neatly coiled on a neutral surface.

Examples

Necesitamos cuerdas gruesas para asegurar el bote.

We need thick ropes to secure the boat.

Atamos la carga con unas cuerdas muy fuertes.

We tied the load with some very strong ropes.

Las cuerdas de tender la ropa estaban rotas.

The clotheslines were broken.

Gender Reminder

Remember that cuerda is a feminine noun, so its plural form cuerdas always uses feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., las cuerdas, cuerdas largas).

Electrical Wires vs. Strong Ropes

The most common mistake is using 'cuerdas' when you mean electrical or data 'cables'. Remember, 'cables' is the direct cognate for electrical wires, while 'cuerdas' refers to thicker, more general-purpose ropes.

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