Inklingo

How to Say "controller" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “controller” is “controlador” — use 'controlador' when referring to a person who manages or supervises a system or activity, like air traffic or a complex process.

English → Spanish

controlador

kon-tro-la-DORkontɾolaˈðoɾ

nounB2general
Use 'controlador' when referring to a person who manages or supervises a system or activity, like air traffic or a complex process.
A person wearing a headset and looking at several glowing monitors in a command center.

Examples

El controlador aéreo dio permiso para aterrizar.

The air traffic controller gave permission to land.

Necesito instalar el controlador de la impresora.

I need to install the printer driver.

Se rompió el controlador de la consola.

The console controller broke.

Profession Gender

For the job title, use 'el controlador' for a man and 'la controladora' for a woman.

Using 'driver' in Spanish

Mistake: “Instala el driver.”

Correction: Instala el controlador. (While many tech people use the English word 'driver', 'controlador' is the correct Spanish term.)

mando

mahn-dohˈman.do

nounA2general
Use 'mando' specifically for a device used to operate or control another device, most commonly a remote control for electronics or a video game controller.
A gray rectangular remote control device with several large, colorful buttons on its surface.

Examples

¿Puedes pasarme el mando de la televisión?

Can you pass me the TV remote?

Mi hijo rompió el mando de la consola al perder la partida.

My son broke the game controller when he lost the match.

Mando vs. Control

While 'control remoto' is understood, in Spain and parts of Latin America, 'mando' is the much more common and casual way to refer to the device you hold.

Using 'mando' for general control

Mistake: “No tengo mando sobre mis emociones.”

Correction: Say 'No tengo control sobre mis emociones.' Use 'mando' only for physical devices or organizational authority.

regulador

re-goo-lah-DORreɣulaˈðoɾ

nounB1technical
Choose 'regulador' for a device designed to adjust or maintain a specific level of something, such as electrical signals, pressure, or temperature.
A colorful valve wheel on a metal pipe controlling water flow.

Examples

Necesitamos cambiar el regulador de la bombona de gas.

We need to change the gas cylinder regulator.

El buzo revisó su regulador antes de sumergirse.

The diver checked his regulator before diving in.

He instalado un regulador de intensidad para las luces del salón.

I've installed a dimmer switch for the living room lights.

Machine or Tool Ending

The ending '-dor' is very common in Spanish for tools or machines that perform a specific action, similar to '-er' in English (e.g., 'toaster' or 'controller').

Using 'de' with Regulador

When talking about what the device controls, always use 'de' followed by the thing being regulated, like 'regulador de gas' or 'regulador de luz'.

Confusing with 'Regular'

Mistake: “Using 'un regular' for a device.”

Correction: Use 'un regulador'. 'Regular' is usually an action (verb) or a description (adjective), not the device itself.

dueña

nounB2figurative
Use 'dueña' metaphorically when someone has complete mastery or control over their emotions, a situation, or their own life.

Examples

Ella se siente dueña de su destino y toma todas las decisiones.

She feels mistress of her destiny and makes all the decisions.

Person vs. Device

Learners often confuse 'controlador' (a person) with 'mando' or 'regulador' (devices). Remember that 'controlador' is typically a job title or role, while 'mando' is for remote controls and 'regulador' is for technical devices that regulate flow or signals.

Related Translations

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