programas

/proh-GRAH-mahs/

programs

A vibrant illustration showing a desktop computer screen displaying four distinct, colorful application icons representing various programs.

Programs (software, TV shows, official plans)

programas(noun)

mA1

programs

software, TV shows, official plans

Also:

schedules

planned events

shows

television or radio content

📝 In Action

Hay muchos programas interesantes en la televisión esta noche.

There are many interesting programs on television tonight.

Necesito actualizar los programas de mi computadora.

I need to update the programs on my computer.

Los programas de ayuda social han tenido éxito.

The social aid programs have been successful.

Word Connections

Synonyms

aplicaciones (applications)
horarios (schedules)

Common Collocations

programas informáticos – computer programs/software
programas educativos – educational programs

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun ending in -a

Even though this word ends in -as, its singular form (programa) ends in -a. It is one of the common exceptions that is masculine, so always use 'los' or 'unos' with it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gender Confusion

Mistake: "La programas"

Correction: Los programas. Remember to use the masculine article 'los' because the original word 'programa' is masculine.

⭐ Usage Tips

Software vs. Show

In Latin America, this word is used for both computer software and TV shows. Context usually makes the meaning clear.

A stylized illustration of a young person sitting at a desk, actively typing on a laptop keyboard, engaged in coding or setting up a plan.

You program (informal singular present tense)

programas(verb)

B1regular ar

you program

informal singular present tense

Also:

you schedule

informal singular present tense

you plan

informal singular present tense

📝 In Action

¿A qué hora programas la cita con el dentista?

At what time do you schedule the appointment with the dentist?

Tú programas las luces para que se enciendan solas.

You program the lights so they turn on by themselves.

Word Connections

Synonyms

planificas (you plan)
codificas (you code)

💡 Grammar Points

Regular -AR Verb

This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. The '-as' ending is the predictable way to talk about what 'tú' (you, informal) do right now.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Tenses

Mistake: "Usar 'programas' para el futuro: 'Mañana programas la reunión.'"

Correction: While sometimes used for near future, it's better to use the proper future tense or 'ir a': 'Mañana vas a programar la reunión' (Tomorrow you are going to schedule the meeting).

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Tú'

Since 'programas' is the 'tú' form, it is used in casual settings with friends, family, or people you know well. Use 'programa' (without the 's') if you are talking formally using 'usted'.

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedprograma

yoprogramo

túprogramas

ellos/ellas/ustedesprograman

nosotrosprogramamos

vosotrosprogramáis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedprogramaba

yoprogramaba

túprogramabas

ellos/ellas/ustedesprogramaban

nosotrosprogramábamos

vosotrosprogramabais

preterite

él/ella/ustedprogramó

yoprogramé

túprogramaste

ellos/ellas/ustedesprogramaron

nosotrosprogramamos

vosotrosprogramasteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedprograme

yoprograme

túprogrames

ellos/ellas/ustedesprogramen

nosotrosprogramemos

vosotrosprograméis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedprogramara/programase

yoprogramara/programase

túprogramaras/programases

ellos/ellas/ustedesprogramaran/programasen

nosotrosprogramáramos/programásemos

vosotrosprogramarais/programaseis

View All Tenses & Moods →

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: programas

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'programas' as a verb?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

programa(program/schedule (singular)) - noun

programar(to program/to schedule) - verb

programación(programming/scheduling) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'programas' (the noun) masculine, even though it ends in -as?

The singular form, *programa*, is one of the common Spanish nouns derived from Greek that end in -a but are masculine (like *problema* or *tema*). Since the singular is masculine (*el programa*), the plural must also be masculine (*los programas*).

If I am talking to my boss, should I use 'programas'?

No, 'programas' is the informal 'tú' form. When speaking formally to a boss or elder, you should use the 'usted' form, which is 'programa' (if referring to the present action) or use the noun form 'los programas' (if referring to the shows/software).