celular
“celular” means “cell phone” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
cell phone
Also: mobile phone
📝 In Action
Perdí mi celular en el autobús, ¡espero encontrarlo!
A1I lost my cell phone on the bus, I hope to find it!
¿Tienes batería en el celular para llamar a un taxi?
A2Do you have battery on your phone to call a taxi?
Necesito comprar un cargador nuevo para mi celular.
A2I need to buy a new charger for my cell phone.
cellular
Also: cell-based
📝 In Action
La membrana celular protege el interior de la célula.
B2The cellular membrane protects the interior of the cell.
Estudiamos la estructura celular de las plantas.
C1We study the cellular structure of plants.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: celular
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'celular' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Late Latin word *cellularis*, meaning 'pertaining to small compartments,' which itself is derived from *cellula* (a small room or compartment). This idea of small, contained units is why we use it for both biology (tiny cells) and modern phone networks (which are divided into small geographical 'cells').
First recorded: Mid-20th century (for the telecommunications meaning)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'celular' y 'móvil'?
They mean the exact same thing: 'cell phone' or 'mobile phone.' The difference is regional: 'celular' is dominant in Latin America, while 'móvil' is dominant in Spain.
¿Por qué el teléfono se llama 'celular'?
It's named after the network it uses. The phone signal area is divided into many small geographical zones called 'cells,' and the phone is constantly moving between them, hence 'cellular' system.