portátil
“portátil” means “portable” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
portable
Also: hand-held, mobile
📝 In Action
Necesito un cargador portátil para mi teléfono.
A1I need a portable charger for my phone.
La radio es lo suficientemente portátil para llevarla al parque.
A2The radio is portable enough to take it to the park.
Compramos un aire acondicionado portátil para el verano.
B1We bought a portable air conditioner for the summer.
laptop
Also: notebook (computer), portable device
📝 In Action
Dejé mi portátil en la oficina.
A2I left my laptop in the office.
El portátil de Juan tiene la batería gastada.
B1Juan's laptop has a worn-out battery.
¿Puedes encender el portátil para ver la presentación?
A2Can you turn on the laptop to see the presentation?
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: portátil
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'portátil' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin verb *portare*, meaning 'to carry,' combined with the suffix *-ilis*, which indicates capability or potential. So, 'portátil' literally means 'able to be carried.'
First recorded: Medieval Latin, entering Spanish with its current meaning centuries ago.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'portátil' masculine or feminine?
As an adjective (portable), it is invariable—it works for both masculine and feminine nouns. As a noun (laptop), it is always masculine: 'el portátil'.
How do I say 'laptop' in other Spanish-speaking regions?
While 'el portátil' is standard in Spain, you may also hear 'la laptop' (borrowed directly from English) or 'la computadora portátil' in many parts of Latin America.