How to Say "microphone" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “microphone” is “micrófono” — use 'micrófono' when you need the standard, formal, or most widely understood term for a device that captures sound, especially in more formal settings or when clarity is paramount..
micrófono
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/
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!
mike
/mai-ke//ˈmai.ke/
Examples
Pásame el mike, por favor, que no se oye nada.
Pass me the mic, please, you can't hear anything.
El cantante se acercó al mike y empezó la canción.
The singer approached the mike and started the song.
Habla más cerca del mike para que te escuchen.
Speak closer to the mic so they can hear you.
Loanwords and Gender
Words borrowed from other languages, like 'mike' from English, are usually treated as masculine in Spanish. That's why you'll always hear 'el mike' or 'un mike'.
Formal vs. Informal
Mistake: “Using 'mike' in a formal essay or a professional speech.”
Correction: In formal situations, always use the full Spanish word 'micrófono'. Think of 'mike' as slang or jargon, perfect for casual chats but not for professional writing.
Choosing Between 'micrófono' and 'micro'
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