Inklingo

How to Say "code" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “code” is “código” — use 'código' for a number or key used to unlock something (like a phone or door), for a set of laws or rules (like a penal code), or for programming instructions.

English → Spanish

código

nounA1, B1, B2General
Use 'código' for a number or key used to unlock something (like a phone or door), for a set of laws or rules (like a penal code), or for programming instructions.

Examples

¿Cuál es el código para desbloquear tu teléfono?

What is the code to unlock your phone?

clave

KLAH-vehˈklaβe

nounA2General
Use 'clave' when referring to a password or a key that grants access to something digital, like an email or an account.
A cartoon hand typing on a brightly colored padlock-shaped keyboard, causing the lock to click open.

Examples

Olvidé la clave de mi correo electrónico.

I forgot my email password.

Por seguridad, cambia tu clave cada mes.

For security, change your code every month.

Always Feminine

Even though 'clave' refers to a code or password, it is always a feminine noun: 'la clave'.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “El clave (using the masculine article)”

Correction: La clave (always use the feminine article 'la' or 'una').

combinación

nounB1General
Use 'combinación' specifically for a sequence of numbers used to open a lock, such as a padlock or a safe.

Examples

No recuerdo la combinación para abrir el candado.

I don't remember the combination to open the padlock.

reglamento

reh-glah-MEHN-tohreɣlaˈmento

nounB1Formal
Use 'reglamento' for a formal set of regulations or rules governing behavior or procedures, like a building code or company rules.
A colorful storybook illustration of a group of children standing in a line, following a leader by a playground.

Examples

Debes leer el reglamento antes de empezar a trabajar.

You must read the regulations before starting to work.

El árbitro aplicó el reglamento estrictamente durante el partido.

The referee applied the rulebook strictly during the match.

Estamos redactando el nuevo reglamento interno de la empresa.

We are drafting the company's new internal regulations.

Regla vs. Reglamento

While 'regla' usually refers to a single rule, 'reglamento' refers to the entire collection or document containing all the rules for a specific place or activity.

Gender Clue

Notice the '-miento' ending? Almost all Spanish words ending in '-miento' are masculine, so we always say 'el reglamento' and 'los reglamentos'.

The 'Ruler' Mistake

Mistake: “Using 'reglamento' to talk about a tool for drawing straight lines.”

Correction: Use 'regla' for the tool you use in geometry. 'Reglamento' is only for written rules.

cifra

SEE-frahˈθifɾa

nounC1Specialized
Use 'cifra' when referring to a secret code or cipher used for encryption, especially in historical or espionage contexts.
A mysterious scroll with strange, invented symbols and shapes.

Examples

El mensaje secreto estaba escrito en cifra.

The secret message was written in cipher.

Los espías utilizaban una cifra compleja.

The spies used a complex code.

Confusing 'código' and 'clave'

The most common confusion is between 'código' and 'clave'. Remember that 'clave' is almost exclusively used for passwords and access keys, while 'código' is broader, covering phone unlock codes, legal codes, and programming code.

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