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How to Say "battery" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “battery” is “batería” — use 'batería' for the main power source of a device, such as a car battery or the rechargeable battery in a phone or laptop..

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batería

nounA1general
Use 'batería' for the main power source of a device, such as a car battery or the rechargeable battery in a phone or laptop.

Examples

Mi teléfono se apagó porque la batería estaba agotada.

My phone turned off because the battery was dead.

pila

PEE-lah/ˈpi.la/

nounA1general
Use 'pila' for smaller, often disposable batteries, like those used in remote controls, clocks, or toys.
A simple illustration of a single cylindrical AA battery standing upright.

Examples

¿Tienes una pila AA que me prestes? El control remoto no funciona.

Do you have an AA battery I can borrow? The remote control isn't working.

Esta linterna usa dos pilas grandes.

This flashlight uses two large batteries.

Gender Alert

Even though it ends in '-a', remember that 'pila' is feminine. You must say 'la pila' (the battery) and 'una pila' (a battery).

Pila vs. Batería

Mistake: “Using 'batería' for a small, disposable AA or AAA battery.”

Correction: Use 'pila' for the small ones you put in remotes or toys. 'Batería' is usually reserved for larger, rechargeable items like car batteries or phone batteries.

Batería vs. Pila Confusion

Learners often confuse 'batería' and 'pila' because both translate to 'battery'. Remember that 'batería' typically refers to larger, integrated power sources, while 'pila' is for smaller, individual cells.

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