How to Say "backup" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “backup” is “respaldo” — use this word when referring to a copy of digital information, such as files, photos, or documents, saved in case the original is lost or damaged.
respaldo
rehs-PAHL-dohresˈpaldo
Examples
No olvides hacer un respaldo de tus fotos en la nube.
Don't forget to make a backup of your photos in the cloud.
repuesto
reh-PWEHS-tohreˈpwesto
Examples
Necesito un repuesto para mi coche.
I need a spare part for my car.
He comprado un repuesto de tinta para la impresora.
I bought an ink refill for the printer.
No tenemos esa pieza de repuesto en el taller ahora mismo.
We don't have that spare part in the shop right now.
Using 'de repuesto'
In Spanish, you often use 'de repuesto' after a noun to mean 'spare.' For example: 'una llave de repuesto' (a spare key).
Refills vs. Parts
Mistake: “Using 'relleno' for a pen refill.”
Correction: Use 'repuesto' for ink cartridges or pen refills; 'relleno' is usually for food filling like a taco or a cake.
alternativo
al-ter-na-TEE-bohal.teɾ.naˈti.βo
Examples
Buscamos un camino alternativo porque la calle está cerrada.
We are looking for an alternative route because the street is closed.
Tengo un plan alternativo por si llueve mañana.
I have a backup plan in case it rains tomorrow.
Es necesario proponer un modelo económico alternativo.
It is necessary to propose an alternative economic model.
Matching the Noun
This word changes its ending depending on the thing it describes. Use 'alternativo' for masculine things (un plan) and 'alternativa' for feminine things (una ruta).
Word Order
In Spanish, 'alternativo' almost always comes after the noun it is describing, just like most adjectives.
The Noun vs. The Adjective
Mistake: “No tengo otra alternativo.”
Correction: No tengo otra alternativa.
refuerzo
rreh-fwehr-sohreˈfwer.so
Examples
El muro necesita un refuerzo de acero para no caerse.
The wall needs a steel reinforcement so it doesn't fall down.
El oficial pidió refuerzos por radio inmediatamente.
The officer asked for backup over the radio immediately.
Necesitamos un refuerzo en el equipo de ventas para terminar el proyecto.
We need extra support in the sales team to finish the project.
Always Masculine
Even though it relates to 'la fuerza' (strength), which is feminine, 'el refuerzo' is always masculine.
People as Things
When talking about 'refuerzos' in the plural, it often refers to a group of people (like soldiers or police) acting as a single unit of help.
Refuerzo vs. Esfuerzo
Mistake: “Hice mucho refuerzo para ganar.”
Correction: Hice mucho esfuerzo para ganar.
Backup vs. Spare Part
Related Translations
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