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"Cadena" is a noun which is often translated as "chain", and "canal" is a noun which is often translated as "channel". Learn more about the difference between "cadena" and "canal" below.
la cadena(
kah
-
deh
-
nah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. chain
Ella lleva una cadena de oro alrededor de su cuello para buena suerte.She wears a gold chain around her neck for good luck.
El prisionero no puede moverse porque está atado por cadenas.The prisoner can't move because he is bound by chains.
2. (succession)
3. (commercial)
a. chain
Este restaurante es parte de una cadena que se extiende por todo el país.This restaurant is part of a chain that spans across the country.
4. (broadcast)
el canal(
kah
-
nahl
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (waterway)
b. canal (artificial)
El Canal de Panamá conecta el Pacífico con el Atlántico.The Panama Canal connects the Pacific with the Atlantic.
2. (anatomy)
a. canal
Debo tomar antibióticos para eliminar la infección del canal del oído.I need to take antibiotics to get rid of the infection in my ear canal.
a. channel
El canal favorito de mis hijos es Discovery Kids.My kids' favorite channel is Discovery Kids.
4. (means)
a. channel
Me voy a Brasil para hallar socios para un nuevo canal de distribución.I'm going to Brazil to find partners for a new distribution channel.
5. (drainage)
a. gutter
Es importante limpiar los canales en el techo periódicamente.It is important to clean the gutters on your roof periodically.
a. fluting
Los canales de la columna le dan un aspecto clásico.The fluting on the column gives it a classic look.
7. (culinary)
a. dressed carcass
El restaurante guarda los canales en un refrigerador enorme.The restaurant keeps the dressed carcasses in a giant refrigerator.
