Inklingo

How to Say "car jack" in Spanish

English → Spanish

gato

/GAH-toh//ˈɡato/

nounB1Automotive tool
Use 'gato' when referring to the common tool used to lift a car for changing a tire, especially in everyday or informal contexts.
A bright red hydraulic car jack resting on a grey surface.

Examples

Se me pinchó una rueda y tuve que usar el gato para cambiarla.

I got a flat tire and had to use the jack to change it.

Asegúrate de que el gato esté bien colocado antes de levantar el coche.

Make sure the jack is well-placed before lifting the car.

Meaning Divergence

This meaning is entirely separate from the animal. You can usually tell the difference based on context: if the word is found with 'coche' (car) or 'rueda' (tire), it likely means 'jack'.

jack

/yak//'ʝak/

nounB2more specific
Use 'jack' when you want to be more specific about the lifting device, often in more technical or direct contexts, or when borrowing the English term.
A simple, bright yellow hydraulic car jack placed on the ground, ready to lift a vehicle.

Examples

Necesito un jack para cambiar la llanta del coche.

I need a jack to change the car's tire.

El mecánico usó un jack hidráulico para levantar el vehículo.

The mechanic used a hydraulic jack to lift the vehicle.

A Borrowed Word

'Jack' is a word taken directly from English, so it keeps its masculine form ('el jack') and is used for specific technical items.

Using 'Jack' Instead of 'Gato'

Mistake: “Pásame el jack, por favor.”

Correction: Pásame el gato, por favor. In everyday Spanish, 'gato' is the standard word for a car jack. Using 'jack' sounds very technical or foreign.

Gato vs. Jack

Learners often mistakenly believe 'jack' is always the correct term because it's the English word. However, 'gato' is the widely used and preferred term in most Spanish-speaking countries for a car jack, making it the safer choice for general conversation.

Related Translations

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