How to Say "shackles" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “shackles” is “cadenas” — use 'cadenas' when referring to chains or a more general term for restraining devices, often used for inanimate objects or in a broader sense of confinement..
cadenas
kah-DEH-nahs/kaˈðe.nas/
Examples
El prisionero estaba atado con cadenas.
The prisoner was tied with chains.
Necesitamos cadenas para asegurar la bicicleta.
We need chains to secure the bicycle.
Puso las cadenas en los neumáticos por la nieve.
He put the chains on the tires because of the snow.
Always Plural in This Form
Remember that 'cadenas' is the plural form of the feminine noun 'cadena'. Use feminine plural adjectives with it (e.g., 'cadenas pesadas').
Gender Confusion
Mistake: “Los cadenas”
Correction: Las cadenas. 'Cadena' is always feminine, even in plural.
esposas
/es-POH-sas//esˈposas/
Examples
La policía le puso las esposas al sospechoso.
The police put handcuffs on the suspect.
El ladrón fue arrestado y le pusieron las esposas.
The thief was arrested and they put the handcuffs on him.
Necesitas la llave para quitar las esposas.
You need the key to remove the handcuffs.
Always Plural
In this meaning, 'esposas' is almost always used in the plural, even though it refers to a single pair of restraints, much like the English word 'handcuffs'.
Chains vs. Handcuffs
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.