Inklingo

How to Say "computer" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “computer” is “computadora” — use 'computadora' when referring to a general electronic computing device, especially in Latin America and for everyday contexts..

English → Spanish

computadora

/kom-poo-ta-DOR-a//kom.pu.taˈðo.ɾa/

NounA1General
Use 'computadora' when referring to a general electronic computing device, especially in Latin America and for everyday contexts.
A simple colorful illustration of a desktop computer setup, including a rectangular monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse resting on a desk.

Examples

Mi computadora es muy rápida para navegar en internet.

My computer is very fast for browsing the internet.

¿Dónde está la computadora que usas para trabajar?

Where is the computer you use for work?

Necesito comprar una nueva computadora portátil.

I need to buy a new laptop (portable computer).

Gender Rule

Since 'computadora' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, so you must use feminine articles like 'la' or 'una' before it.

Mixing Regional Terms

Mistake: “Using 'el ordenador' when speaking with someone from Mexico or Argentina.”

Correction: While 'ordenador' is correct Spanish (used in Spain), use 'la computadora' when talking to almost anyone in Latin America to sound natural.

ordenador

/or-de-na-DOR//orðenaˈðoɾ/

NounA1General
Use 'ordenador' when referring to a personal computer, particularly in Spain and formal or technical contexts.
A colorful illustration of a desktop computer setup, featuring a flat monitor, keyboard, and mouse placed on a clean, simple desk.

Examples

Necesito comprar un ordenador portátil nuevo para la universidad.

I need to buy a new laptop computer for university.

Mi ordenador de mesa es muy rápido para editar videos.

My desktop computer is very fast for editing videos.

El técnico dijo que el ordenador estaba infectado con un virus.

The technician said the computer was infected with a virus.

Gender Alert

Remember this word is masculine: 'el ordenador'. Even though the synonym 'computadora' is feminine, they refer to the same object.

Regional Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'ordenador' when speaking with most Latin American speakers.”

Correction: In most of Latin America, use 'computadora' (f) or 'computador' (m) instead of 'ordenador' to sound more natural.

Regional Differences Matter

The most common mistake is using 'ordenador' in Latin America, where it might sound very formal or even slightly unnatural. Stick to 'computadora' for broader understanding across Spanish-speaking regions.

Related Translations

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