Inklingo

How to Say "delete" in Spanish

English → Spanish

borrar

boh-RRAHR/boˈraɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'borrar' primarily for deleting digital content like files, messages, or data from electronic devices.
A simple, colorful illustration of a stylized digital document icon floating down into a large, open wastebasket icon, symbolizing digital deletion.

Examples

Borra todas las fotos antiguas de tu teléfono para liberar espacio.

Delete all the old photos from your phone to free up space.

Intenté borrar su número de mi memoria, pero fue imposible.

I tried to wipe his number from my memory, but it was impossible.

Si borras la caché, la aplicación debería funcionar mejor.

If you clear the cache, the application should work better.

Reflexive Use: Borrarse

When used with 'se' (borrarse), it often means 'to disappear' or 'to fade away' by itself: 'La mancha se borró con el tiempo' (The stain faded away over time).

Using 'borrar' for 'forget'

Mistake: “No puedo borrar el nombre.”

Correction: While 'borrar' can mean 'wipe out a memory,' for simple forgetting, use 'olvidar': 'No puedo olvidar el nombre' (I can't forget the name).

eliminar

/eh-lee-mee-NAR//eli.miˈnaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'eliminar' when deleting computer files or text, often implying a more permanent removal or eradication.
A small blue square representing a digital file being dropped into a round, gray trash can, symbolizing deletion.

Examples

Por favor, elimina ese archivo de tu computadora, es demasiado viejo.

Please, delete that file from your computer, it is too old.

Tu cuenta de usuario será eliminada si no la usas en seis meses.

Your user account will be deleted if you don't use it in six months.

Using the Reflexive

To say something 'got deleted' or 'was deleted' without saying who did it, Spanish often uses the reflexive form: 'Se eliminó la foto' (The photo was deleted).

Overusing 'Eliminar'

Mistake: “Quiero eliminar este error en mi texto.”

Correction: Quiero borrar/corregir este error en mi texto. ('Borrar' is more natural for erasing small mistakes.)

Choosing Between 'Borrar' and 'Eliminar'

Learners often confuse 'borrar' and 'eliminar'. While both can mean 'delete' in a digital context, 'borrar' is more common for everyday actions like clearing messages or photos, whereas 'eliminar' can suggest a more definitive removal, like erasing a file permanently.

Related Translations

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