How to Say "display" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “display” is “pantalla” — use this word for the physical screen of an electronic device, like a TV, computer, or phone.
pantalla
pan-TA-yapanˈtaʎa
Examples
La pantalla de mi móvil se rompió cuando se me cayó.
The screen of my cell phone broke when I dropped it.
Ayer compré una televisión con una pantalla muy grande.
Yesterday I bought a television with a very large screen.
Estuve mirando la pantalla de mi ordenador todo el día.
I was staring at my computer screen all day.
Gender Reminder
Remember 'pantalla' is feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it: 'la pantalla'.
Confusing 'Pantalla' and 'Pizarra'
Mistake: “Using 'pantalla' for a chalkboard or whiteboard.”
Correction: Use 'pizarra' for a physical board where you write. 'Pantalla' is for electronic display or projection.
monitor
moh-nee-tohrmoniˈtoɾ
Examples
Necesito un monitor más grande para mi computadora.
I need a bigger monitor for my computer.
El monitor de la clínica muestra los latidos del corazón.
The clinic's monitor shows the heartbeats.
Always Masculine for Technology
When referring to a screen or a device, this word is always masculine ('el monitor'), regardless of who is using it.
exhibición
Examples
La exhibición de arte comienza a las ocho.
The art exhibition starts at eight.
muestra
MOO-ehs-trahˈmwestra
Examples
¿Podría darme una muestra del queso?
Could you give me a sample of the cheese?
El doctor pidió una muestra de orina.
The doctor requested a urine specimen.
La exposición es una muestra del arte moderno.
The exhibition is a display of modern art.
Gender Tip
Remember that muestra is always feminine: la muestra. This is essential for pairing it with the correct articles and adjectives.
demostración
Examples
¿Podría hacerme una demostración de cómo usar esta máquina?
Could you give me a demonstration of how to use this machine?
despliegue
des-pyeh-gehdesˈpje.ɣe
Examples
El equipo ganó gracias a un gran despliegue físico.
The team won thanks to a great display of physical effort.
Hubo un gran despliegue policial en el centro de la ciudad.
There was a large police deployment in the city center.
El despliegue de la red 5G tardará varios meses.
The rollout of the 5G network will take several months.
It's a 'Result' Word
In Spanish, adding '-e' or '-o' to a verb root often creates a noun that describes the result of that action. 'Despliegue' comes from 'desplegar' (to unfold/deploy).
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'e', this word is always masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el despliegue'.
Don't use 'despliego'
Mistake: “El despliego de las tropas.”
Correction: El despliegue de las tropas. While 'yo despliego' is the verb form (I deploy), the noun is always 'despliegue'.
aparato
ah-pah-RAH-toha.paˈɾa.to
Examples
Montaron un gran aparato para la visita del presidente.
They put on a big show (or display of resources) for the president's visit.
No me gusta el aparato que hace cuando tiene que hablar en público.
I don't like the fuss/show he makes when he has to speak in public.
Figurative Use
This meaning usually implies that the effort or complexity involved is unnecessary or overly theatrical. It's often used with verbs like 'montar' (to set up/mount).
gala
gah-lahˈɡala
Examples
El equipo hizo gala de su gran compañerismo.
The team showed off their great camaraderie.
Hizo gala de una paciencia infinita con los niños.
He displayed infinite patience with the children.
Siempre hace gala de sus conocimientos técnicos.
He is always showing off his technical knowledge.
The structure of 'hacer gala'
This is a fixed phrase. You almost always use the verb 'hacer' (to do/make) + 'gala' + the word 'de' (of) followed by the thing you are showing off.
Missing the 'de'
Mistake: “Hacer gala su talento.”
Correction: Hacer gala DE su talento. You always need the 'de' to connect it to the quality you are mentioning.
Screen vs. Showing Off
Related Translations
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