chaqueta: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (in English contexts)Formal to informal (when used in English, typically in cultural or loan contexts); standard (in Spanish).
Quick answer
What does “chaqueta” mean?
A short to medium-length outer garment for the upper body, typically with sleeves, a front opening, and often made for a specific purpose (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short to medium-length outer garment for the upper body, typically with sleeves, a front opening, and often made for a specific purpose (e.g., suit jacket, sports jacket).
The word 'chaqueta' is a Spanish term. In English, the direct equivalent is 'jacket'. In English contexts, 'chaqueta' is primarily used by English speakers when referring to the garment in Spanish or in loan contexts (e.g., describing a traditional garment from a Spanish-speaking region). Its use in English is not as a standard English word.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
There is no significant BrE/AmE difference regarding 'chaqueta' itself, as it is not a standard English word. The differences lie in the equivalent terms: BrE uses 'jacket' (dinner jacket, anorak) and AmE uses 'jacket' (sport coat, tuxedo jacket).
Connotations
When used in English, 'chaqueta' carries connotations of Spanish/Latin American culture or specific traditional garments (e.g., a chaqueta charra).
Frequency
Extremely rare in general English usage. Frequency is near-zero in both BrE and AmE corpora outside of specific cultural references.
Grammar
How to Use “chaqueta” in a Sentence
wear a [chaqueta]put on/take off one's [chaqueta]a [chaqueta] made of...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in standard business English.
Academic
May appear in anthropological, cultural, or fashion studies texts discussing Spanish/Latin American attire.
Everyday
Only used in English by speakers code-switching or referring specifically to a Spanish-named garment.
Technical
May appear in fashion/textile descriptions of specific cultural garments.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chaqueta”
- Using 'chaqueta' in general English conversation expecting it to be understood as 'jacket'.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'ch' /k/ sound instead of /tʃ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'chaqueta' is a Spanish word. It is used in English only as a loanword to refer to specific Spanish or Latin American garments. The standard English term is 'jacket'.
It is typically pronounced with an anglicized approximation: /tʃɑːˈkeɪtə/ in British English and /tʃɑˈkeɪtə/ in American English. The 'ch' is like in 'church'.
There is no lexical difference in meaning; 'chaqueta' is the Spanish word for 'jacket'. The difference is linguistic, not sartorial. However, specific cultural garments like the 'chaqueta charra' have distinct styles.
Only if you are intentionally using a foreign word for cultural specificity, and it should be italicized or clearly introduced (e.g., 'a traditional jacket, or chaqueta...'). For general purposes, always use 'jacket'.
A short to medium-length outer garment for the upper body, typically with sleeves, a front opening, and often made for a specific purpose (e.
Chaqueta is usually formal to informal (when used in english, typically in cultural or loan contexts); standard (in spanish). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A (in English)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHA-CHA' dance requires a stylish 'CHA-queta' (jacket).
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A COVERING (The jacket provides a protective layer).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'chaqueta' be MOST appropriate in an English sentence?