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A2 noun #1,200 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

cable

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Erklärung cable in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'cable' is a simple noun. Students learn it as a physical object found in the home. You might use it to describe a 'cable de teléfono' or 'cable de televisión'. The focus is on the masculine gender (el cable) and its basic plural form (los cables). It is often introduced alongside household electronics and basic verbs like 'tener' (to have) or 'necesitar' (to need).

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At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'cable' in more specific contexts. You learn to differentiate between types of cables, such as 'cable de carga' (charging cable) or 'cable USB'. This level also introduces the very common idiomatic expression 'echar un cable' (to help), which is essential for basic social interactions and offering assistance to others in a natural way.

By B1, the use of 'cable' expands into more technical and abstract territory. Learners should be comfortable using verbs like 'conectar', 'desconectar', and 'enchufar'. You also encounter the phrase 'cruzar los cables' to describe confusion or a temporary loss of control. The distinction between 'cable', 'alambre' (wire), and 'cuerda' (rope) becomes more important for precision in storytelling and descriptions.

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At the B2 level, 'cable' appears in professional and news contexts. You might read about 'cables submarinos' (undersea cables) that connect continents or 'cables de alta tensión' in environmental reports. The word is also understood in its historical context as a 'news dispatch'. Learners at this level use the word fluently in complex sentences with relative clauses and passive voice.

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C1 learners understand the nuance of 'cable' in literature and specialized fields. This includes nautical terminology where 'cable' is a unit of length (one-tenth of a nautical mile) or a specific type of heavy mooring line. The metaphorical uses are used effortlessly, and the learner can discuss the socio-economic impact of 'la televisión por cable' or 'la brecha digital' (digital divide) involving infrastructure.

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At the C2 level, the word 'cable' is used with total native-like precision. This includes archaic uses in literature, highly technical engineering specifications, and a deep understanding of regional variations (e.g., how 'cable' might be used differently in Spain vs. Argentina). The speaker can use the word in puns, wordplay, and complex rhetorical structures without hesitation.

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cable in 30 Sekunden

Cable is a masculine noun in Spanish referring to electrical or signal wires.
It is a cognate with English, making it easy for English speakers to remember.
The idiom 'echar un cable' is a very common way to say 'to help someone'.
It is used for everything from phone chargers to massive undersea internet lines.

The Spanish word cable is a fundamental noun that serves as a linguistic bridge between physical infrastructure and metaphorical support. At its core, it refers to a bundle of wires, typically made of copper or aluminum, encased in a protective sheath used to transmit electricity or telecommunication signals. However, its utility in the Spanish language extends far beyond the toolbox. In a world increasingly defined by connectivity, 'cable' represents the invisible threads that power our homes and link our devices.

Physical Utility: In technical contexts, a cable is specifically the insulated conductor. For example, 'cable de alta tensión' (high-voltage cable) or 'cable de red' (network cable).

El técnico está instalando el cable de fibra óptica para mejorar la velocidad del internet.

Historically, the term originates from the Latin 'capulum', meaning a halter or rope. This nautical heritage is still present today; in maritime Spanish, a 'cable' can refer to a thick rope used for mooring ships. This transition from 'rope' to 'electrical conductor' mirrors the technological evolution of the 19th century. When you use this word, you are tapping into centuries of engineering history. It is a masculine noun (el cable), and its plural form is simply 'cables'.

Metaphorical Support: The phrase 'echar un cable' is one of the most common idioms in Spain, meaning to lend a hand or help someone out of a difficult situation.

Si tienes problemas con la mudanza, yo te echo un cable el sábado.

Understanding 'cable' requires recognizing its role in the 'anglicismo' (Anglicism) debate. While the word is native to Spanish, many technical terms like 'cable HDMI' or 'cable USB' are used globally. In Latin America, you might also hear 'alambre' for thin wires, but 'cable' remains the standard for insulated or thick bundles. Whether you are talking about charging your phone or helping a friend, 'cable' is an essential A2-level word that provides a solid foundation for daily conversation.

Using the word cable correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and the verbs it typically pairs with. As a masculine noun, it always takes masculine articles: el cable, un cable, los cables, or unos cables. Adjectives must also agree in gender and number, such as el cable pelado (the stripped wire) or los cables largos (the long cables).

Common Verbs: Connect (conectar), Disconnect (desconectar), Plug in (enchufar), Unplug (desenchufar), and Strip (pelar).

No olvides desconectar el cable antes de abrir el aparato.

In a sentence, 'cable' often acts as the direct object. Because it is an inanimate object, it does not require the 'personal a'. For example, 'Busco el cable' (I am looking for the cable). However, when using the idiom 'echar un cable a alguien', the 'a' is necessary because the recipient of the help is a person: 'Le eché un cable a María'. This distinction is crucial for intermediate learners moving from A2 to B1.

When describing the type of cable, Spanish usually uses the preposition 'de'. For example: 'cable de alimentación' (power cable), 'cable de datos' (data cable), or 'cable de acero' (steel cable). Note that the purpose of the cable comes after 'de'. This structure is very consistent across the language and helps in building complex technical vocabulary effortlessly.

Este cable de carga no funciona con mi teléfono nuevo.

Finally, consider the placement of the word in idiomatic expressions. 'Cruzar los cables' (to get one's wires crossed) is used when someone gets confused or has a sudden lapse in judgment. 'Se le cruzaron los cables y empezó a gritar' (He lost his cool/got confused and started shouting). Mastering these nuances will make your Spanish sound much more natural and idiomatic.

The word cable is ubiquitous, appearing in diverse environments from the domestic to the industrial. In a household setting, you will hear it most frequently in the living room or office. '¿Dónde está el cable del cargador?' is perhaps one of the most common questions in modern Spanish-speaking homes. In electronics stores (tiendas de electrónica), sales assistants will ask if you need a specific 'cable adaptador' or 'cable alargador' (extension cord).

Professional Settings: In construction and engineering, 'tirar cable' (to pull/lay cable) is a standard phrase used by electricians (electricistas).

Los obreros están pasando el cable por el conducto de la pared.

In the world of journalism and media, 'cable' has a historical significance. A 'cable' used to refer to a telegram or a news agency dispatch (like Reuters or EFE). While this usage is fading, you might still hear 'noticias de cable' in more formal or traditional news contexts. Furthermore, in the nautical world, if you visit a port like Barcelona or Buenos Aires, you might hear sailors talking about the 'cable de remolque' (towline).

On the street, you'll see 'cables' hanging between utility poles, a common sight in many Latin American cities. This infrastructure is often referred to as 'el tendido eléctrico'. If a storm causes a power outage, the news might report that 'un cable caído' (a fallen power line) is causing danger to pedestrians. Being aware of these environmental cues helps you associate the word with real-world safety and utility.

Ten cuidado con ese cable suelto en la acera.

Lastly, in the fitness world, 'poleas y cables' are common components of gym machinery. If you are working out in a Spanish-speaking gym, the trainer might tell you to 'tirar del cable' during a tricep extension. This variety of contexts ensures that 'cable' is a word you will encounter daily, regardless of your interests or profession.

Even though cable is a cognate, English speakers often fall into specific traps when using it in Spanish. The most frequent error is confusing 'cable' with 'cuerda' (rope) or 'hilo' (thread/wire). While a cable can be a thick rope in nautical terms, in everyday life, if you are tying a package, you use 'cuerda', not 'cable'. If you are sewing, you use 'hilo'.

False Friend Alert: Don't confuse 'cable' with 'wire' (alambre) when referring to uninsulated metal. 'Alambre' is for fences; 'cable' is for electricity.

Incorrecto: Ató la caja con un cable. (Correcto: Ató la caja con una cuerda).

Another common mistake involves the gender of the word. Some learners mistakenly treat it as feminine because it ends in 'e', but it is strictly masculine. Saying 'la cable' is a clear marker of a beginner level. Always remember: 'el cable'. Additionally, when using the idiom 'echar un cable', learners often forget the indirect object pronoun 'le'. It's not 'Yo echo un cable a él', but 'Yo le echo un cable'.

In technical descriptions, avoid using 'cable de poder'. While understandable, the correct term is 'cable de alimentación' or 'cable de corriente'. 'Poder' in Spanish refers to 'power' as in 'authority' or 'ability', not electrical energy. Using 'corriente' or 'alimentación' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.

Necesito el cable de alimentación de la computadora.

Finally, be careful with the pluralization of compound terms. For 'cables de fibra óptica', only 'cables' is pluralized. Some learners try to pluralize 'fibra' or 'óptica', which is incorrect. Keeping the modifiers singular is a key rule in Spanish noun-adjective phrases of this type.

To truly master cable, you must understand how it differs from its synonyms and related terms. Spanish has a rich vocabulary for 'connectors' and 'lines', and choosing the right one depends on the material, the thickness, and the purpose of the object.

Cable vs. Alambre: 'Cable' is usually insulated and composed of multiple strands. 'Alambre' is a single, often bare, metal wire (like in a fence).
Cable vs. Cordón: 'Cordón' is used for smaller, flexible electrical cords (like a lamp cord) or for shoelaces (cordones de los zapatos).

El cable de la televisión es más grueso que el cordón de la lámpara.

In nautical or heavy industrial contexts, you might encounter 'maroma' or 'estacha'. A 'maroma' is a very thick hemp or synthetic rope, while 'cable' in this context specifically implies a wire rope (made of steel). If you are at a dock, calling a steel mooring line a 'cuerda' would be technically incorrect; it is a 'cable de acero'.

Another related term is 'manguera'. While usually meaning 'hose' (for water), in some technical Spanish contexts, a 'manguera eléctrica' refers to a heavy-duty cable that contains multiple insulated wires within a single outer jacket. Understanding these distinctions allows for much more precise communication in technical or DIY situations.

Pásame el alambre para arreglar la valla, no el cable.

By comparing 'cable' to 'alambre', 'cordón', and 'manguera', you build a semantic map that prevents common vocabulary errors. This comparative approach is essential for reaching a B1 level of fluency, where precision in noun selection becomes increasingly important.

How Formal Is It?

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun gender (masculine -e)

Indirect object pronouns with idioms

Prepositional phrases with 'de'

Adjective agreement

Pluralization of nouns ending in vowels

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Beispiele nach Niveau

El cable es negro.

The cable is black.

Basic noun-adjective agreement (masculine singular).

Necesito un cable largo.

I need a long cable.

Use of indefinite article 'un'.

El cable está en la mesa.

The cable is on the table.

Use of 'estar' for location.

Tengo dos cables.

I have two cables.

Plural formation by adding -s.

¿Dónde está el cable?

Where is the cable?

Interrogative sentence structure.

El cable de la tele.

The TV cable.

Use of 'de' to show purpose/connection.

Es un cable nuevo.

It is a new cable.

Adjective placement after the noun.

No veo el cable.

I don't see the cable.

Negative sentence with 'no'.

¿Me echas un cable con esto?

Can you give me a hand with this?

Idiomatic use of 'echar un cable'.

Busco un cable de carga para mi móvil.

I'm looking for a charging cable for my phone.

Compound noun phrase 'cable de carga'.

El cable USB no funciona.

The USB cable doesn't work.

Common technical noun phrase.

Hay muchos cables detrás del ordenador.

There are many cables behind the computer.

Use of 'hay' for existence.

Tienes que conectar el cable rojo.

You have to connect the red cable.

Periphrastic obligation 'tener que' + infinitive.

Este cable es muy corto.

This cable is very short.

Demonstrative adjective 'este'.

Mi gato muerde los cables.

My cat bites the cables.

Present tense verb 'morder' (o-ue).

Vemos películas por cable.

We watch movies on cable (TV).

Use of 'por' for means of transmission.

Si me echas un cable, terminaremos antes.

If you give me a hand, we'll finish sooner.

First conditional structure.

Se me cruzaron los cables y olvidé la cita.

I got confused and forgot the appointment.

Idiomatic expression 'cruzarse los cables'.

El electricista cambió todo el cableado.

The electrician changed all the wiring.

Related word 'cableado' (wiring).

Asegúrate de que el cable esté bien enchufado.

Make sure the cable is properly plugged in.

Subjunctive mood after 'asegurarse de que'.

He comprado un cable alargador de cinco metros.

I bought a five-meter extension cord.

Present perfect tense.

No cortes ese cable, es de fibra óptica.

Don't cut that cable, it's fiber optic.

Negative imperative (tú).

El cable se rompió por la tensión.

The cable broke due to the tension.

Reflexive 'se' for accidental occurrences.

Prefiero el ratón con cable, es más fiable.

I prefer the wired mouse; it's more reliable.

Comparative 'más... que' (implied).

La empresa está instalando cables submarinos.

The company is installing undersea cables.

Present continuous with 'estar' + gerund.

El cable de alta tensión cayó sobre la carretera.

The high-voltage cable fell onto the road.

Preterite tense for completed actions.

Le agradezco que me haya echado un cable.

I appreciate that you have given me a hand.

Present perfect subjunctive after expression of feeling.

Es un cable blindado para evitar interferencias.

It's a shielded cable to avoid interference.

Infinitive 'evitar' showing purpose.

La señal viaja a través del cable coaxial.

The signal travels through the coaxial cable.

Prepositional phrase 'a través de'.

Había un enredo de cables imposible de soltar.

There was a tangle of cables impossible to undo.

Imperfect tense for description.

El puente está sostenido por cables de acero.

The bridge is supported by steel cables.

Passive voice 'está sostenido'.

La noticia llegó por cable desde Nueva York.

The news arrived by wire from New York.

Historical/formal use of 'cable'.

La infraestructura depende de la red de cables.

The infrastructure depends on the cable network.

Verb 'depender' + preposition 'de'.

El barco soltó el cable de remolque al entrar.

The ship released the towline upon entering.

Nautical terminology.

Se le cruzaron los cables y dimitió de repente.

He lost his mind/got confused and suddenly resigned.

Idiomatic use in a professional context.

La longitud se mide en cables en este contexto.

Length is measured in cables in this context.

Passive 'se' construction.

Es imperativo revisar el estado de los cables.

It is imperative to check the condition of the cables.

Formal impersonal expression.

El cableado estructurado es vital para la oficina.

Structured cabling is vital for the office.

Technical noun 'cableado'.

No podemos permitir que se pelen los cables.

We cannot allow the cables to get stripped.

Subjunctive after verb of prohibition/influence.

El discurso fue un cable a tierra para el pueblo.

The speech was a grounding force for the people.

Metaphorical use 'cable a tierra'.

La obsolescencia de los cables de cobre es total.

The obsolescence of copper cables is complete.

Complex noun phrase with 'de'.

Aquel incidente hizo que se le cruzaran los cables.

That incident caused him to lose his grip on reality.

Causative structure with 'hacer que' + subjunctive.

El cable, como unidad náutica, es poco común hoy.

The cable, as a nautical unit, is rare today.

Apposition set off by commas.

La conductividad del cable varía con el calor.

The conductivity of the cable varies with heat.

Scientific register.

Echar un cable es un deber moral en esta aldea.

Lending a hand is a moral duty in this village.

Infinitive as a subject.

La maraña de cables oscurecía el cielo de la urbe.

The tangle of cables obscured the city sky.

Literary/Descriptive register.

Sujetó la antena con un cable de vientos.

He secured the antenna with a guy-wire.

Specific technical term 'cable de vientos'.

El cable diplomático reveló tensiones ocultas.

The diplomatic cable revealed hidden tensions.

Specific use in international relations.

Häufige Kollokationen

cable de carga

cable de red

cable eléctrico

cable submarino

cable pelado

cable suelto

cable coaxial

cable de acero

conectar un cable

tirar un cable

Häufige Phrasen

Televisión por cable

Cable de alimentación

Cable de datos

Cable de fibra óptica

Pasar el cable

Cortar el cable

Cable a tierra

Cable de alta tensión

Cable USB

Cable HDMI

Wird oft verwechselt mit

cable vs cuerda (rope)

cable vs hilo (thread)

cable vs alambre (bare wire)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Echar un cable"

"Cruzarse los cables"

"Estar con los cables cruzados"

"Atar con cables"

"Tener un cable a tierra"

"Soltar cable"

"Cable pelado"

"Quedarse sin cable"

"Ir por el cable"

"Ser un cable de energía"

Leicht verwechselbar

cable vs Cuerda

cable vs Alambre

cable vs Hilo

cable vs Cordón

cable vs Manguera

Satzmuster

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So verwendest du es

idiomatic

'Echar un cable' is very informal but widely accepted.

technical

In engineering, 'cable' is different from 'conductor'.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'la cable' instead of 'el cable'.
Using 'cable' for a jump rope (cuerda).
Saying 'cable de poder' instead of 'cable de alimentación'.
Forgetting the 'le' in 'le echo un cable'.
Confusing 'cable' with 'alambre' in non-electrical contexts.

Tipps

Gender

Always use 'el' with cable. It's a common mistake to think words ending in 'e' are feminine.

Types

Learn 'cable de red' for internet and 'cable de carga' for phones.

Social

Use '¿Me echas un cable?' instead of '¿Me ayudas?' to sound more natural.

The 'B'

The 'b' in cable is very soft, almost like a 'v' sound.

Technical

A 'cable de alta tensión' is a power line. Stay away!

History

Remember its history as a rope to understand why it's used for steel lines on ships.

Spelling

It is spelled exactly like in English, which is very helpful!

TV

'Tener cable' means having a paid television subscription.

False Friend

Don't use it for 'wire' in a birdcage; use 'alambre'.

Metaphor

A 'cable a tierra' is someone or something that keeps you balanced.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Latin

Kultureller Kontext

Uses 'echar un cable' constantly in informal speech.

Often uses 'cable' specifically for the TV service provider.

Uses 'cable a tierra' to mean something that keeps you sane or grounded.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Tienes un cable de carga que me prestes?"

"¿Ves mucho la televisión por cable?"

"¿Me podrías echar un cable con esta maleta?"

"¿Sabes dónde se conectan estos cables?"

"¿Alguna vez se te han cruzado los cables en una situación importante?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe todos los cables que tienes en tu escritorio.

Escribe sobre una vez que alguien te echó un cable.

¿Qué harías si se cortara el cable del internet por una semana?

Explica la importancia de los cables submarinos para el mundo.

Inventa una historia donde a un personaje se le cruzan los cables.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Es masculino: el cable.

Significa ayudar a alguien que tiene un problema.

Se dice 'cable de carga'.

No, eso es una 'comba' o 'cuerda'.

Es un cable que no tiene su protección de plástico y es peligroso.

Sí, es una palabra universal en español.

Se dice 'cable alargador' o 'extensión'.

Significa confundirse o perder el control momentáneamente.

No, viene del latín, aunque se usa mucho en tecnología.

Se añade una 's': cables.

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