Inklingo

How to Say "mic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

micrófono

nounA1formal
Use 'micrófono' when you need the full, formal term for a microphone, especially in more technical or official contexts.

Examples

Por favor, acerca el micrófono a tu boca para que te escuchemos mejor.

Please, bring the microphone closer to your mouth so we can hear you better.

micro

/MEE-kroh//ˈmikɾo/

nounA2informal
Use 'micro' as a casual, shortened version of 'micrófono' in informal conversations, similar to how 'mic' is used in English.
A classic silver microphone standing on a simple black base.

Examples

Pásame el micro, por favor.

Pass me the mic, please.

El micro no funciona bien durante las videollamadas.

The microphone doesn't work well during video calls.

Asegúrate de apagar el micro cuando no estés hablando.

Make sure to turn off the mic when you aren't speaking.

Gender Memory Hook

Even though it is short, it is still masculine ('el micro') because the full word it comes from, 'micrófono', is masculine.

Making it Plural

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's': 'los micros'.

The 'A' Ending Trap

Mistake: “Using 'la micro' to mean microphone.”

Correction: Always use 'el micro' for a microphone. 'La micro' means a bus in Chile!

Full Term vs. Shortened Form

Learners often mistakenly use the full word 'micrófono' in casual settings where 'micro' is more natural. Think of 'micro' as the direct equivalent of the English 'mic' in everyday chat.

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