Inklingo

How to Say "cords" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cables

/kah-bles//ˈkaβles/

nounA1general
Use 'cables' when referring to the flexible insulated wires that transmit electricity or data, like those used for electronics.
A close-up of several thick, brightly colored electrical cables bundled together, including red, blue, and yellow wires.

Examples

Necesito un cable para cargar mi teléfono.

I need a cable to charge my phone.

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 'cuerdas' for thicker, strong strings or ropes used for tying, binding, or in contexts like musical instruments.
A thick, heavy, brown braided rope is neatly coiled on a neutral surface.

Examples

El marinero usó cuerdas gruesas para amarrar el barco.

The sailor used thick ropes to tie up 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).

Cables vs. Cuerdas

Learners often confuse 'cables' and 'cuerdas'. Remember that 'cables' specifically refers to electrical or data cords for devices, while 'cuerdas' is a more general term for thicker strings or ropes.

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