📝 In Action
¿Qué hay en la tele esta noche?
A1What's on TV tonight?
Compramos una tele nueva para el salón.
A2We bought a new television for the living room.
Pasa mucho tiempo mirando la tele.
A1She spends a lot of time watching TV.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Shortcut
Even though 'tele' ends in '-e', it is always feminine ('la tele') because it is a shortened form of the feminine word 'la televisión'. The nickname keeps the original gender.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong Article
Mistake: "El tele"
Correction: La tele. Remember that the full word is 'la televisión', so you must use the feminine article 'la' with the shortened version.
⭐ Usage Tips
Informal vs. Formal
Use 'tele' with friends and family in everyday conversation. If you are writing formally or giving a presentation, it is better to use the full word 'televisión'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tele
Question 1 of 1
If you are watching TV with a friend, which phrase is the most natural and informal way to ask them to turn the volume down?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'tele' feminine if it ends in '-e'?
'Tele' is a nickname for 'la televisión,' which is a feminine word. When Spanish speakers shorten words like this, the nickname usually keeps the original word's gender, which is why we always say 'la tele'.
Can I use 'televisión' instead of 'tele'?
Yes! 'Televisión' is the full, proper word and can be used in any context. Using 'tele' just makes the conversation sound more relaxed and casual.