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How to Say "cord" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cable

kah-blehˈkaβle

nounA1general
Use 'cable' for electrical cords that connect devices to power or transmit data, like phone chargers or computer cables.
A thick, coiled gray electrical cable with exposed copper wires at the end, suggesting power or connectivity.

Examples

El perro mordió el cable del cargador y ahora no funciona.

The dog bit the charger cable and now it doesn't work.

Tuvieron que usar un cable de acero para levantar el coche.

They had to use a steel cable to lift the car.

Always Masculine

Remember that 'cable' is always a masculine noun, so use 'el cable' or 'un cable,' even though it refers to something inanimate.

Confusing 'cable' and 'cuerda'

Mistake: “Usar 'cuerda' para un cable eléctrico.”

Correction: 'Cuerda' is usually for rope or string. Use 'cable' for electrical or internet connections.

cordón

nounA1general
Use 'cordón' for a thin, flexible cord or string, most commonly for shoelaces or drawstrings on clothing.

Examples

Tengo que atarme el cordón del zapato.

I have to tie my shoelace.

cuerda

KWEHR-dahˈkweɾða

nounA1general
Use 'cuerda' for a general-purpose rope or string, often thicker than a 'cordón', used for tying, climbing, or musical instruments.
A thick brown fibrous rope coiled loosely on a simple background, illustrating material used for tying.

Examples

Atamos el bote al muelle con una cuerda gruesa.

We tied the boat to the dock with a thick rope.

Puso la ropa mojada en la cuerda de tender.

She put the wet clothes on the clothesline.

Gender Reminder

Even though many Spanish nouns ending in -a are feminine, remember that cuerda follows this rule consistently: it always uses 'la' (la cuerda).

soga

SOH-gahˈso.ɣa

nounA2general
Use 'soga' for a thick, strong rope, often used for heavier tasks like towing, climbing, or securing large objects.
A thick, coiled brown hemp rope resting on a wooden floor.

Examples

Necesitamos una soga larga para mover los muebles.

We need a long rope to move the furniture.

El marinero lanzó la soga al muelle.

The sailor threw the rope to the dock.

Ataron al caballo con una soga de cáñamo.

They tied the horse with a hemp rope.

Gender and Plurals

This is a feminine noun. Use 'la' for one rope (la soga) and 'las' for more than one (las sogas).

Soga vs. Cuerda

Mistake: “Using 'soga' for a thin shoelace or guitar string.”

Correction: Use 'soga' for thick, heavy ropes. Use 'cuerda' for thinner strings or general-purpose cord.

False Friend Alert

Mistake: “Thinking 'soga' means 'soda'.”

Correction: They sound similar, but 'soda' in Spanish is 'refresco' or 'gaseosa'.

Cable vs. Cuerda/Soga

Learners often confuse 'cable' with 'cuerda' or 'soga'. Remember that 'cable' specifically refers to electrical or data cords. 'Cuerda' and 'soga' are for general ropes and strings, with 'soga' typically implying a thicker, stronger rope.

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