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How to Say "cell phone" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “cell phone” is “celular” — use 'celular' for a handheld communication device, it is widely understood across all Spanish-speaking regions..

English → Spanish

celular

seh-loo-LAHR/seluˈlaɾ/

nounA1general
Use 'celular' for a handheld communication device, it is widely understood across all Spanish-speaking regions.
A simple drawing of a modern cell phone being held in a human hand.

Examples

Perdí mi celular en el autobús, ¡espero encontrarlo!

I lost my cell phone on the bus, I hope to find it!

¿Tienes batería en el celular para llamar a un taxi?

Do you have battery on your phone to call a taxi?

Necesito comprar un cargador nuevo para mi celular.

I need to buy a new charger for my cell phone.

Masculine Noun

Even though the word ends in '-ar', it is always treated as a masculine noun, meaning you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el celular'.

Using 'La Celular'

Mistake: “La celular está roto.”

Correction: El celular está roto. Remember that 'celular' (phone) is masculine.

móvil

nounA1general
Use 'móvil' for a handheld communication device, especially common in Spain and some parts of Latin America.

Examples

¿Dónde dejaste tu móvil? Necesito llamarte.

Where did you leave your phone? I need to call you.

Regional Preference for 'Celular' vs. 'Móvil'

The main confusion is choosing between 'celular' and 'móvil'. While both are understood, 'celular' is more universally common, whereas 'móvil' is preferred in Spain and some Latin American countries. It's safest to use 'celular' if you're unsure.

Related Translations

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