ventilador
“ventilador” means “fan” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
fan
Also: electric fan, ceiling fan
📝 In Action
Hace mucho calor, por favor enciende el ventilador.
A1It is very hot; please turn on the fan.
Compramos un ventilador de techo para el dormitorio.
A2We bought a ceiling fan for the bedroom.
El ruido del ventilador no me deja dormir.
B1The noise from the fan won't let me sleep.
ventilator
Also: cooling fan
📝 In Action
El paciente fue conectado a un ventilador mecánico.
B2The patient was connected to a mechanical ventilator.
El ventilador de mi computadora hace un ruido extraño.
B1My computer's cooling fan is making a strange noise.
Si el ventilador del coche falla, el motor se calienta.
B2If the car's cooling fan fails, the engine overheats.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "ventilador" in Spanish:
ceiling fan→cooling fan→electric fan→fan→ventilator→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ventilador
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is the correct way to say 'the fan'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'ventilare', which means 'to blow' or 'to fan', derived from 'ventus' (wind).
First recorded: 18th century (in its modern mechanical sense)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between 'ventilador' and 'abanico'?
Yes. Generally, a 'ventilador' is an electric machine. An 'abanico' is a handheld fan you wave yourself. However, in some Latin American countries, 'abanico' is used for both.
Can I use 'ventilador' for air conditioning?
No. Air conditioning is called 'aire acondicionado'. A 'ventilador' only moves the air around without cooling it down with chemicals.
Is it a 'ventilador' if it's inside a computer?
Yes! The small fans used to cool down electronics like computers or car engines are also called 'ventiladores'.

