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How to Say "display" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “display” is “pantalla” — use 'pantalla' for the general term for a screen or visual display, like on a computer, phone, or TV..

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pantalla

/pan-TA-ya//panˈtaʎa/

nounA1general
Use 'pantalla' for the general term for a screen or visual display, like on a computer, phone, or TV.
A brightly lit, rectangular computer monitor displaying a simple, colorful landscape with a blue sky and green hills.

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-tohr//moniˈtoɾ/

nounA1technical
Use 'monitor' specifically for a computer monitor or a screen used as a visual output device.
A sleek computer screen displaying a colorful landscape on a clean desk.

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.

muestra

MOO-ehs-trah/ˈmwestra/

nounA1general
Use 'muestra' when referring to a sample or a small public showing, often of a product or item.
A close-up of a hand holding a tiny, clear plastic cup filled with a small portion of brightly colored blue liquid, representing a sample.

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

nounA2general
Choose 'demostración' when you mean a practical showing of how something works or a skill.

Examples

¿Podría hacerme una demostración de cómo usar esta máquina?

Could you give me a demonstration of how to use this machine?

exhibición

nounA2formal
Use 'exhibición' for a public exhibition or a formal display, often artistic or cultural.

Examples

La exhibición de arte comienza a las ocho.

The art exhibition starts at eight.

aparato

/ah-pah-RAH-toh//a.paˈɾa.to/

nounC1informal
Use 'aparato' for a showy display or an ostentatious display of wealth or resources, often for effect.
A brightly lit stage with a drawn-back curtain, featuring a simple burst of vibrant, celebratory confetti falling from the ceiling, depicting a spectacle.

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).

Screen vs. Showing

Learners often confuse words for physical screens like 'pantalla' and 'monitor' with words for a 'showing' or 'demonstration' like 'demostración' or 'exhibición'. Remember, 'pantalla' and 'monitor' refer to the device itself, while the others describe the act of showing something.

Related Translations

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