Inklingo

How to Say "loudspeaker" in Spanish

English → Spanish

altavoz

/al-tah-bohs//altaˈβos/

nounA2general
Use 'altavoz' for general audio output devices, like the speaker on a phone, computer, or a standalone speaker for music.
A modern black electronic speaker sitting on a wooden surface with colorful sound waves coming out of it.

Examples

El altavoz de mi teléfono no funciona.

My phone's speaker doesn't work.

He comprado un altavoz inteligente para la cocina.

I bought a smart speaker for the kitchen.

No te escucho bien, por favor pon el móvil en altavoz.

I can't hear you well, please put the phone on speakerphone.

Making it plural

When you want to talk about more than one speaker, the 'z' at the end changes to a 'c' before adding 'es'. So, one is 'altavoz' and two are 'altavoces'.

Don't be fooled by 'voz'

In Spanish, 'la voz' (the voice) is feminine, but 'el altavoz' is always masculine, even though it has the word 'voz' inside it.

People vs. Machines

Mistake: “Calling a guest speaker at an event 'el altavoz'.”

Correction: Use 'el orador' or 'la oradora' for a person who speaks. 'Altavoz' is only for the electronic device.

bocina

/bo-SEE-nah//boˈθina/

nounB1general
Use 'bocina' for larger, often portable, sound amplification devices, especially those used for public address or events, like a megaphone or a large portable party speaker.
A modern rectangular electronic speaker box with a large circular driver.

Examples

Compré una bocina Bluetooth para mis fiestas.

I bought a Bluetooth speaker for my parties.

La música suena muy bien en estas bocinas.

The music sounds very good on these speakers.

Se rompió la bocina derecha de mi computadora.

The right speaker of my computer broke.

Plural Form

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' to make it 'bocinas'.

Spanglish Warning

Mistake: “Me gusta tu speaker.”

Correction: Me gusta tu bocina. While many people understand 'speaker,' using 'bocina' is much better Spanish.

Altavoz vs. Bocina

Learners often mistakenly use 'bocina' for small everyday speakers like those on their phone. Remember that 'altavoz' is the general term for most speakers, while 'bocina' usually implies a larger, more powerful sound device for announcements or parties.

Related Translations

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