Inklingo

How to Say "wire" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cable

/kah-bleh//ˈkaβle/

nounA1general
Use 'cable' for thick, conducting wires, typically those used for electricity, charging devices, or telecommunications.
A thick, coiled gray electrical cable with exposed copper wires at the end, suggesting power or connectivity.

Examples

El electricista conectó el cable de la luz.

The electrician connected the light wire.

El perro mordió el cable del cargador y ahora no funciona.

The dog bit the charger cable and now it doesn't work.

Tuvieron que usar un cable de acero para levantar el coche.

They had to use a steel cable to lift the car.

Always Masculine

Remember that 'cable' is always a masculine noun, so use 'el cable' or 'un cable,' even though it refers to something inanimate.

Confusing 'cable' and 'cuerda'

Mistake: “Usar 'cuerda' para un cable eléctrico.”

Correction: 'Cuerda' is usually for rope or string. Use 'cable' for electrical or internet connections.

hilo

EE-loh/ˈilo/

nounB1technical
Use 'hilo' when referring to a very fine electrical or metallic strand, such as the filament inside a light bulb.
A thick, coiled copper electrical wire, partially stripped to show the metallic conductor inside.

Examples

Se rompió el hilo de cobre del circuito.

The copper wire of the circuit broke.

Hay que cambiar el hilo de la bombilla, está fundido.

We have to change the light bulb's filament, it's burned out.

El electricista cortó el hilo rojo para arreglar el circuito.

The electrician cut the red wire to fix the circuit.

Technical Usage

In technical fields, 'cable' is often used for thicker bundles of wires, while 'hilo' is used for a single, thinner strand.

cuerda

KWEHR-dah/ˈkweɾða/

nounB1musical
Use 'cuerda' specifically for the strings on musical instruments like guitars, pianos, or harps, not for electrical wires.
A single, thin, taut metal string stretched across the dark wooden surface of a musical instrument.

Examples

La cuerda de la guitarra estaba desafinada.

The guitar string was out of tune.

Necesito cambiar la sexta cuerda de mi guitarra.

I need to change the sixth string on my guitar.

El violín tiene cuatro cuerdas.

The violin has four strings.

String Section

Mistake: “Using 'sección de cuerdas' for the orchestra section.”

Correction: While understandable, the preferred term for the orchestra section is *la sección de violines* or *los instrumentos de cuerda*.

Confusing 'cable' and 'hilo'

Learners often confuse 'cable' and 'hilo'. Remember that 'cable' refers to thicker, functional wires (like for charging), while 'hilo' is for very fine strands, often internal components like a bulb's filament. 'Cuerda' is exclusively for musical instrument strings.

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