portátil
/por-TAH-teel/
portable
As an adjective, portátil means 'portable,' describing something that is able to be carried easily.
portátil(adjective)
portable
?able to be carried
hand-held
?small enough to hold
,mobile
?easy to move
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement: Gender
This adjective is 'invariable' for gender, meaning it stays 'portátil' whether the noun is masculine (el cargador portátil) or feminine (la radio portátil). You only change it for number: 'portátiles' (plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Portabla'
Mistake: "La mesa es portabla."
Correction: La mesa es portátil. The ending -il does not change to -a for feminine nouns.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Technology
Use 'portátil' frequently when talking about modern gadgets like speakers, batteries, or small screens that you can carry easily.
As a noun, portátil is the Spanish word for a laptop computer.
portátil(noun)
laptop
?computer
notebook (computer)
?computer
,portable device
?general technology
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
The Hidden Noun
When used as a noun, 'portátil' is short for 'el ordenador portátil' or 'el aparato portátil.' This is why it is always masculine (el portátil), even though the word itself doesn't end in -o.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using Feminine Article
Mistake: "La portátil no funciona."
Correction: El portátil no funciona. Remember this noun is masculine because it refers to 'el ordenador.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Variations
While 'portátil' is widely understood, in some parts of Latin America, 'laptop' (pronounced Spanish style) or 'notebook' are also commonly used for this device.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: portátil
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'portátil' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
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.