Inklingo

How to Say "jacket" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “jacket” is “chaqueta” — use 'chaqueta' for a general-purpose, shorter coat worn for warmth or style, like a casual jacket or a windbreaker..

English → Spanish

chaqueta

cha-KAY-tah/tʃaˈketa/

nounA1general
Use 'chaqueta' for a general-purpose, shorter coat worn for warmth or style, like a casual jacket or a windbreaker.
A bright red jacket with a zipper and pockets, hanging on a simple wooden hook.

Examples

Ponte la chaqueta antes de salir, hace mucho viento.

Put on your jacket before going out, it's very windy.

Olvidé mi chaqueta en el restaurante, es de lana.

I forgot my jacket in the restaurant, it's wool.

El uniforme incluye una chaqueta gris y pantalones oscuros.

The uniform includes a gray blazer and dark pants.

Gender Check

Even though it ends in '-a,' remember that 'chaqueta' is always a feminine noun. You must use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Confusing Jacket and Coat

Mistake: “Using 'chaqueta' for a very heavy winter coat.”

Correction: For a long, heavy winter coat, the word 'abrigo' is usually better. 'Chaqueta' is typically shorter and lighter.

americana

ah-meh-ree-KAH-nah/ameɾiˈkana/

nounB1general
Use 'americana' when referring to a blazer or a suit jacket, typically worn in more formal or professional settings.
A simple illustration of a neatly tailored navy blue blazer jacket with buttons hanging on a coat hanger.

Examples

Necesito comprar una americana para la entrevista.

I need to buy a blazer for the interview.

Esa americana azul te queda muy elegante.

That blue jacket looks very smart on you.

Dejó su americana en el perchero antes de sentarse.

She left her jacket on the coat rack before sitting down.

Feminine Noun

Even though it refers to a piece of clothing, 'americana' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it.

saco

SAH-koh/ˈsa.ko/

nounA1general (Latin America)
In many Latin American countries, 'saco' is commonly used to refer to a suit jacket or blazer, similar to 'americana'.
A large, simple brown woven cloth sack, tied shut near the top, sitting on a plain surface.

Examples

Se puso un saco elegante para la boda.

He put on an elegant suit jacket for the wedding.

El granjero llenó el saco de papas.

The farmer filled the sack of potatoes.

Lleva un saco elegante para la reunión.

He is wearing a smart jacket for the meeting.

Necesito un saco de dormir para acampar.

I need a sleeping bag for camping.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in 'o,' remember to use the masculine articles: 'el saco' or 'un saco'.

cubierta

/koo-BYEHR-tah//kuˈβjeɾta/

nounA2specific
Use 'cubierta' specifically for the dust jacket or cover of a book.
A thick, brightly colored storybook resting on a table, clearly showing its front cover.

Examples

La cubierta del libro está dañada.

The cover of the book is damaged.

Pusieron una cubierta de lona sobre el coche para protegerlo.

They put a canvas cover over the car to protect it.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'cubierta' ends in -a, remember it is a feminine noun, so use 'la' or 'una' before it.

camisa

/ka-MEE-sa//kaˈmisa/

nounB2technical
Use 'camisa' in a technical context to mean a protective covering or liner, such as a cylinder liner.
A cross-section view of a metallic cylindrical protective outer layer surrounding an internal mechanical component.

Examples

Tuvimos que reemplazar la camisa del cilindro debido al desgaste.

We had to replace the cylinder liner due to wear.

La camisa de la tubería protege contra la corrosión.

The casing of the pipe protects against corrosion.

Technical Usage

This meaning is figurative, extending the idea of a 'shirt' as a covering or protective layer. It is mostly found in professional fields like mechanics or construction.

Chaqueta vs. Americana/Saco

The most common confusion is between 'chaqueta' (general jacket) and 'americana' or 'saco' (blazer/suit jacket). Remember that 'chaqueta' is for casual or everyday wear, while 'americana' and 'saco' refer to more formal, tailored jackets.

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