pantalla
/pan-TA-ya/
screen
An electronic display, like a TV or computer monitor, is called a pantalla.
pantalla(noun)
screen
?electronic display (TV, phone, computer)
monitor
?computer display
,display
?general term for visual output
📝 In Action
La pantalla de mi móvil se rompió cuando se me cayó.
A1The screen of my cell phone broke when I dropped it.
Ayer compré una televisión con una pantalla muy grande.
A2Yesterday I bought a television with a very large screen.
Estuve mirando la pantalla de mi ordenador todo el día.
A2I was staring at my computer screen all day.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember 'pantalla' is feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it: 'la pantalla'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Pantalla' and 'Pizarra'
Mistake: "Using 'pantalla' for a chalkboard or whiteboard."
Correction: Use 'pizarra' for a physical board where you write. 'Pantalla' is for electronic display or projection.
⭐ Usage Tips
Universal Use
You can use 'pantalla' for any surface that shows an image, from a cinema screen to a watch face.
A lampshade, the covering for a light bulb, is also referred to as a pantalla.
📝 In Action
Esa lámpara tiene una pantalla de tela muy elegante.
B1That lamp has a very elegant fabric lampshade.
La bombilla estaba demasiado expuesta, así que le puse una pantalla.
B2The lightbulb was too exposed, so I put a lampshade on it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are talking about furniture, people will understand 'pantalla' to mean 'lampshade.' If you are talking about technology, it means 'screen.'
The word pantalla can mean a protective barrier or shield.
pantalla(noun)
shield
?protective barrier
barrier
?physical obstruction (e.g., sound barrier)
,visor
?face protection
📝 In Action
El trabajador llevaba una pantalla de seguridad para protegerse de las chispas.
B2The worker was wearing a safety shield to protect himself from sparks.
Instalaron pantallas acústicas para reducir el ruido del tráfico.
C1They installed acoustic barriers (screens) to reduce traffic noise.
⭐ Usage Tips
Specialized Use
This meaning refers to a physical, solid object that blocks something (light, sound, sparks), similar to how a lampshade blocks harsh light.
When used figuratively, pantalla refers to a smokescreen—something used to hide the truth.
pantalla(noun)
smokescreen
?something used to hide the truth
,façade
?false front/appearance
pretext
?excuse
,front
?deceptive appearance
📝 In Action
Su aparente humildad es solo una pantalla para manipular a la gente.
C1His apparent humility is just a facade (smokescreen) to manipulate people.
Los nuevos impuestos son una pantalla para encubrir la corrupción.
C2The new taxes are a smokescreen to cover up the corruption.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Extension
Think of this meaning as literally putting a 'screen' or 'shield' in front of the truth to hide it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
This figurative use is best kept for formal writing, news reports, or serious discussions about motives and politics.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pantalla
Question 1 of 3
Which meaning of 'pantalla' is used when describing a deceptive appearance?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'pantalla' masculino o femenino?
'Pantalla' es siempre femenino. Siempre debes decir 'la pantalla' o 'una pantalla'.
How do I say 'take a screenshot' using 'pantalla'?
The most common way is to use the related noun 'pantallazo' or the verb phrase 'tomar una captura de pantalla' (to take a screen capture).