Inklingo

How to Say "broadcast" in Spanish

English → Spanish

emisión

nounA2general
Use 'emisión' when referring to a specific radio or television program that is being aired.

Examples

La emisión del partido empieza a las ocho.

The broadcast of the game starts at eight.

transmisión

nounA2general
Use 'transmisión' when referring to the act of transmitting a TV, radio, or internet show, or the show itself as a transmission.

Examples

La transmisión del partido de fútbol duró dos horas.

The broadcast of the soccer game lasted two hours.

pon

ponpon

verb (affirmative command)A2informal
Use the command 'pon' when telling one person to turn on or play a show or music.
A finger pressing a glowing green power button on a simple, rounded white lamp, illustrating the action of activation.

Examples

¡Pon la televisión, por favor! Quiero ver las noticias.

Turn on the TV, please! I want to watch the news.

¡Pon mucha crema solar! El sol está muy fuerte.

Put on a lot of sunscreen! The sun is very strong.

Pon tu alarma para las siete de la mañana.

Set your alarm for seven in the morning.

Using 'Poner' for Technology

In many Spanish-speaking regions, 'poner' (pon) is the most common verb used to tell someone to turn on a TV, radio, or music, instead of the more literal 'encender'.

pongan

POHN-gahnˈpoŋ.ɡan

verb (affirmative command)B1general
Use the command 'pongan' when telling more than one person (ustedes) to turn on or play a show or music.
A finger pressing a switch to turn on a bright yellow table lamp, causing illumination.

Examples

¡Que pongan la música ya!

They should play the music already!

Les pedimos que pongan la calefacción.

We ask you all to turn on the heating.

Cuando lleguen, pongan ese canal de noticias.

When you all arrive, turn on that news channel.

Mixing up 'poner' and 'encender'

Mistake:Sometimes learners use 'encender' (to light/turn on) for media, when 'poner' is more common.

Correction: Use 'poner' (pongan) when you mean 'play' or 'put on' a movie, show, or music. Use 'encender' for simple light switches.

televisivo

te-le-bee-SEE-boteleβiˈsiβo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'televisivo' to describe something as being related to television or the medium of transmission.
A modern professional video camera on a tripod used in a television studio.

Examples

Este es el mejor programa televisivo del año.

This is the best television show of the year.

Muchos actores prefieren el cine al medio televisivo.

Many actors prefer movies over the television medium.

La empresa busca nuevas estrellas para su próximo proyecto televisivo.

The company is looking for new stars for its next TV project.

Changing for Gender

This word ends in 'o,' so it must change to 'a' when describing something feminine. For example: 'un programa televisivO' but 'una serie televisivA'.

Where to put the word

In Spanish, describing words like this usually come AFTER the thing they are describing. You say 'programa televisivo,' not 'televisivo programa.'

Using it as a Noun

Mistake:Me gusta ver el televisivo.

Correction: Me gusta ver la televisión.

Emisión vs. Transmisión

Learners often confuse 'emisión' and 'transmisión'. 'Emisión' typically refers to the program itself as a distinct event (like a show), while 'transmisión' emphasizes the act of sending it out or the transmission process. Think of 'emisión' as the show and 'transmisión' as the broadcast signal or the act of broadcasting.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.