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How to Say "cord" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cable

/kah-bleh//ˈkaβle/

nounA1general
Use 'cable' when referring to the cord used to charge or connect electronic devices.
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.

cuerda

KWEHR-dah/ˈkweɾða/

nounA1general
Use 'cuerda' for a general term for a thick string or a thin rope, often used for tying or pulling.
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-gah//ˈso.ɣa/

nounA2general
Use 'soga' specifically for a thick rope, often implying a stronger or coarser material than 'cuerda'.
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'.

Confusing 'cuerda' and 'soga'

The most common mistake is choosing between 'cuerda' and 'soga'. While both mean rope or thick string, 'soga' often implies a more substantial or coarser rope. If you're unsure, 'cuerda' is a safe general choice for most string or rope needs.

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