dispositivo
/dis-poh-see-TEE-voh/
device
As an electronic or mechanical apparatus, "dispositivo" translates to 'device'.
dispositivo(noun)
device
?electronic or mechanical apparatus
,gadget
?small, handy device
appliance
?small household machine
,apparatus
?general mechanism
📝 In Action
Este nuevo dispositivo móvil tiene una cámara increíble.
B1This new mobile device has an incredible camera.
Necesitas conectar el dispositivo a la red eléctrica para cargarlo.
B2You need to connect the device to the electrical grid to charge it.
El hospital utiliza un dispositivo especial para medir la presión arterial.
B2The hospital uses a special apparatus to measure blood pressure.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'dispositivo' is always used with masculine articles: 'el dispositivo' (the device) or 'un dispositivo' (a device).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "La dispositivo"
Correction: El dispositivo. Even though it ends in '-o', sometimes learners confuse it with other feminine nouns that end similarly. Always use 'el'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tech Talk
This is the go-to word for talking about modern technology, especially small, portable items like phones, tablets, or smart watches.
When referring to a legal or administrative clause, "dispositivo" means 'provision'.
dispositivo(noun)
provision
?legal or administrative clause
,ruling
?official decision or arrangement
clause
?part of a document
📝 In Action
El dispositivo legal entrará en vigor el próximo mes.
C1The legal provision will come into effect next month.
Según el dispositivo del contrato, debemos pagar la multa.
C2According to the clause/provision of the contract, we must pay the fine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you see 'dispositivo' in a formal document or news about laws, it almost certainly refers to a rule or arrangement, not a piece of technology.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dispositivo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'dispositivo' in its formal, legal sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'dispositivo' un sinónimo de 'herramienta'?
Sometimes, but not always. A 'dispositivo' is usually a complex machine or system (like a smartphone or a security camera). A 'herramienta' (tool) is often a simpler object used for manual work (like a hammer or a wrench).
How do I know if I should say 'dispositivo' or 'aparato'?
'Dispositivo' is currently the most popular and modern word for electronic gadgets. 'Aparato' is slightly more general and can refer to older or less high-tech machinery, but they are often interchangeable.