How to Say "controls" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “controls” is “control” — use 'control' when referring to the levers, dials, or joysticks that a person manipulates to operate a machine or vehicle..
control
/kon-trol//konˈtɾol/
Examples
El piloto revisó los controles antes de despegar.
The pilot checked the controls before taking off.
El control de volumen está en el lado derecho del altavoz.
The volume control is on the right side of the speaker.
Singular vs. Plural
You can use 'el control' for a single knob or function (like 'el control de volumen') or 'los controles' for the entire set of controls on a machine (like 'los controles del coche').
controles
/kon-TRO-les//konˈtɾoles/
Examples
Los controles del avión son muy complejos.
The airplane's controls are very complex.
Hay muchos controles de seguridad en el aeropuerto.
There are many security checkpoints at the airport.
¿Dónde están los controles de la consola?
Where are the console controllers?
Plural Noun
This is the plural form of 'el control.' To make it plural, we add '-es' because the word ends in a consonant.
Control vs. Command
Mistake: “Using 'comando' for a TV remote.”
Correction: Use 'control' or 'mando.' 'Comando' usually refers to a military unit or a computer instruction.
controla
kohn-TROH-lah/konˈtɾola/
Examples
Mi hermana controla el presupuesto familiar.
My sister controls the family budget.
El piloto automático controla la velocidad del avión.
The autopilot controls the speed of the plane.
The Hidden 'You'
Remember that 'controla' can mean 'he controls,' 'she controls,' or 'you (formal) control.' Spanish often leaves out the subject pronoun (él, ella, usted) when the meaning is clear.
Noun vs. Verb Confusion
Related Translations
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