Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Chain in Spanish
Cadena · noun · kah-DEH-nah
The Spanish word for chain is 'cadena,' a feminine noun with multiple uses. It refers to jewelry chains, metal chains for security, supply chains in business, and even TV channels (cadena de televisión). The versatility of cadena makes it a high-frequency word in everyday Spanish.
Cadena is pronounced kah-DEH-nah. The stress falls on the second syllable, and each vowel is clearly pronounced.
Le regalé una cadena de oro para su cumpleaños.
I gave her a gold chain for her birthday.
How Native Speakers Use Cadena
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Jewelry
Esa cadena de plata combina perfecto con tu vestido.
That silver chain goes perfectly with your dress.
Describing a necklace chain.
Security
Aseguré la bicicleta con una cadena y un candado.
I secured the bicycle with a chain and a lock.
Using a chain for security purposes.
Business
La cadena de suministro se interrumpió por la tormenta.
The supply chain was disrupted by the storm.
Cadena de suministro is the business term for supply chain.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Cadena
Gender error
Incorrect: El cadena está roto.
Correct: La cadena está rota.
Cadena is feminine, so it takes 'la' and feminine adjectives like 'rota,' not 'el' and 'roto.'
TV channel confusion
Incorrect: Cambia la cadena de televisión. (in informal context)
Correct: Cambia el canal de televisión.
While 'cadena' technically means TV network or channel, the everyday word for 'channel' when channel-surfing is 'canal.' Cadena refers more to the broadcasting company.
Lock in chain Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Cadena used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using cadena in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Le regalé una cadena de oro para su cumpleaños. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About chain in Spanish
- Can cadena mean TV channel?
- Cadena refers to a television network or broadcasting company (like 'cadena de televisión'), while 'canal' is the word used for an individual TV channel when flipping through options.
- How do you say 'chain reaction' in Spanish?
- A chain reaction is 'reacción en cadena' in Spanish, reversing the English word order by placing 'cadena' after the preposition 'en.'
- What is a 'cadena de oro'?
- A 'cadena de oro' is a gold chain, typically worn as a necklace — it is a common gift and fashion accessory across Latin American and Spanish culture.