Inklingo

How to Say "cd" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cd

seh-DEH/seˈðe/

nounA1general
Use 'cd' when referring specifically to a compact disc used for storing music or digital data.
A shiny, iridescent compact disc with a rainbow-like reflection on its surface.

Examples

Tengo un cd de mi banda favorita.

I have a CD of my favorite band.

¿Dónde pusiste el cd de rock?

Where did you put the rock CD?

Mi coche todavía tiene reproductor de cd.

My car still has a CD player.

Gender of CD

Even though it is an abbreviation from English, it is masculine in Spanish because the word for disc ('disco') is masculine. Always use 'el' or 'un'.

Making it Plural

Technically, abbreviations in Spanish don't add an 's' when written (los CD), but most people add a lowercase 's' (los CDs) or just say 'los cedés' when speaking.

Pronunciation

Mistake: “Pronouncing it like the English letters 'C-D'.”

Correction: Pronounce it using the Spanish letter names: 'seh-DEH'.

disco

/DEES-koh//ˈdisko/

nounA1general
Use 'disco' when referring to a vinyl record or, more generally, any type of disc used for playing music, including older formats.
A close-up illustration of a black vinyl record with a colorful label at its center.

Examples

Mi abuelo todavía escucha música en discos de vinilo.

My grandfather still listens to music on vinyl records.

Este es el nuevo disco de mi banda favorita.

This is the new album by my favorite band.

Masculine Noun Rule

'Disco' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it, even though it ends in '-o'.

CD vs. Disco

Learners often mistakenly use 'cd' for all types of discs. Remember that while 'cd' is specific to compact discs, 'disco' is a broader term that can include vinyl records and sometimes even compact discs in a more general context.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.