Inklingo

How to Say "short circuit" in Spanish

English → Spanish

corto

KOR-toh/ˈkoɾto/

nounC1general
Use 'corto' specifically when referring to an electrical fault or malfunction that causes a short circuit.
Two thick, insulated electrical wires touching, creating a bright blue electrical spark and a puff of smoke.

Examples

Tuvimos que llamar al electricista porque hubo un corto.

We had to call the electrician because there was a short circuit.

Si conectas mal los cables, puedes hacer un corto.

If you connect the wires incorrectly, you can cause a short circuit (make a short).

fuga

FOO-gah/ˈfu.ɣa/

nounB1general
While 'fuga' can sometimes refer to an electrical fault, it primarily means 'leak' (water, gas, etc.) and is much less common for 'short circuit' than 'cortocircuito' or 'corto'.
A simple metal pipe with a visible crack, showing a strong jet of water spraying out, illustrating a leak.

Examples

Llamamos al fontanero porque había una fuga de agua en el baño.

We called the plumber because there was a water leak in the bathroom.

La fuga de gas era tan pequeña que apenas se podía oler.

The gas leak was so small it could barely be smelled.

El contador registró una fuga eléctrica en la casa.

The meter registered an electrical leakage in the house.

Verbs for Leaks

To describe the action of leaking, use the verb 'escaparse' (to escape/leak out) or 'gotear' (to drip) more often than the less common verb 'fugar'.

False Cognate Alert

Mistake: “Thinking 'fuga' means 'fog' (English).”

Correction: The Spanish word for 'fog' or 'mist' is 'niebla'. Remember 'fuga' means 'escape' or 'leak'.

Don't confuse 'fuga' with electrical faults

Learners often mistakenly use 'fuga' for 'short circuit' because it can mean 'leak.' However, 'fuga' is overwhelmingly used for leaks of water, gas, or other substances, not electrical issues. Always prefer 'corto' or 'cortocircuito' for electrical faults.

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