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How to Say "leads" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “leads” is “cables” — use 'cables' when referring to physical wires or cords, commonly found in electronics or technical setups..

English → Spanish

cables

/kah-bles//ˈkaβles/

nounA1general
Use 'cables' when referring to physical wires or cords, commonly found in electronics or technical setups.
A close-up of several thick, brightly colored electrical cables bundled together, including red, blue, and yellow wires.

Examples

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.

dirige

dee-REE-heh/diˈɾi.xe/

verbA2general
Use 'dirige' when talking about someone in charge of an organization, company, or project, emphasizing leadership and management.
A person standing confidently at the head of a small group of three people, pointing forward on a simple dirt path. They are clearly leading the way.

Examples

El director dirige la empresa desde hace diez años.

The director has led the company for ten years.

¿Quién dirige este equipo tan exitoso?

Who leads this successful team?

Verb-Ending Consistency

The 'él/ella/usted' present tense forms of all -IR verbs usually end in '-e', just like 'dirige'.

Confusing 'dirige' and 'dirija'

Mistake: “Using 'dirija' (the subjunctive form) in a simple descriptive sentence: 'Ella dirija el proyecto.'”

Correction: 'Ella dirige el proyecto.' Use 'dirige' for facts; 'dirija' is only for wishes, commands, or uncertainty.

pistas

/PEES-tas//ˈpistas/

nounA2general
Use 'pistas' when referring to clues or hints, especially in the context of an investigation or solving a mystery.
A large magnifying glass is held over a tiny, distinct footprint pressed into brown earth, indicating a clue.

Examples

El detective encontró tres pistas importantes en la escena del crimen.

The detective found three important clues at the crime scene.

¿Puedes darnos algunas pistas para adivinar la palabra?

Can you give us some hints to guess the word?

Always Plural, Always Feminine

Remember that 'pistas' is the plural of the feminine noun 'pista'. All words describing it (adjectives) must also be feminine plural, like 'las pistas buenas' (the good clues).

conduce

kon-DOO-seh/konˈduθe/

verbB1general
Use 'conduce' when describing the action of guiding people, like leading a tour group or showing the way.
A guide standing at the front of a small group of people who are following closely behind, indicating they are being led.

Examples

El guía conduce a los turistas por el museo.

The guide leads the tourists through the museum.

Este material conduce muy bien el calor.

This material conducts heat very well.

El director conduce la orquesta con pasión.

The conductor leads the orchestra with passion.

Metaphorical Use

When used with abstract nouns (like 'debate' or 'negotiation'), 'conduce' means to manage or steer the conversation.

Confusing 'Conduce' with 'Trae'

Mistake: “Using 'trae' (brings) when you mean 'leads' (guides).”

Correction: 'Trae' is for physical movement towards the speaker. 'Conduce' is about direction and guidance.

estrellas

/es-TREH-yahs//esˈtɾe.ʎas/

nounB1general
Use 'estrellas' specifically when referring to the main actors or performers in a movie, play, or show.
A stylized figure standing confidently on a small stage, illuminated brightly by three distinct golden spotlights shining down, symbolizing a celebrity.

Examples

Ese hotel tiene cinco estrellas y el servicio es excelente.

That hotel has five stars, and the service is excellent.

Todas las grandes estrellas de Hollywood asistieron al evento.

All the big stars from Hollywood attended the event.

Figurative Use

Just like in English, 'estrellas' can refer to famous people or denote quality (a star rating). The plural form is most common for this meaning.

Leading people vs. Leading an organization

Learners often confuse 'conduce' (leading people, like a tour guide) with 'dirige' (leading an organization or company). Remember 'dirige' implies authority and management, while 'conduce' is more about physically guiding or showing the way.

Related Translations

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