Inklingo

How to Say "computer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

computadora

kom-poo-ta-DOR-akom.pu.taˈðo.ɾa

nounA1general
Use 'computadora' when referring to the physical electronic device, especially common in Latin America.
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-DORorðenaˈðoɾ

nounA1general
Use 'ordenador' when referring to the physical electronic device, most common in Spain.
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.

computador

kom-poo-tah-DORkomputaˈðoɾ

nounA1general
Use 'computador' as another term for the physical electronic device, common in some parts of Latin America, similar in usage to 'computadora'.
A modern desktop computer with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse on a clean desk.

Examples

Tengo que comprar un computador nuevo para la universidad.

I have to buy a new computer for university.

Mi computador está muy lento hoy.

My computer is very slow today.

Él pasa todo el día frente al computador.

He spends all day in front of the computer.

Gender and Articles

Since this word is masculine, always use 'el' or 'un'. In some countries, they use the feminine version 'la computadora', but 'computador' always stays masculine.

Describing your computer

When you want to describe it (like saying it's 'fast' or 'new'), put the describing word after 'computador'. For example: 'computador rápido'.

Using the Spain version in the Americas

Mistake: “Using 'ordenador' in Colombia or Mexico.”

Correction: While understood, 'computador' or 'computadora' sounds much more natural in Latin America.

informática

adjectiveB1general
Use 'informática' (or related forms) to describe something related to the field of computing or IT, not the physical device itself.

Examples

Trabajo en una empresa informática muy grande.

I work at a very large IT company.

Device vs. Field

The most common mistake is using terms for the physical computer device ('computadora', 'ordenador', 'computador') when you mean the field of computing. Remember, 'informática' refers to IT or computer science, not the machine itself.

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