Inklingo

How to Say "mock-up" in Spanish

English → Spanish

prototipo

/pro-to-TEE-po//pɾotoˈtipo/

nounB1general
Use 'prototipo' when the mock-up is a functional model or a preliminary version of a product being developed, intended for testing its performance or features.
A wooden model of a futuristic car sitting on a workbench.

Examples

El equipo de ingeniería terminó el prototipo del nuevo motor.

The engineering team finished the prototype of the new engine.

Necesitamos probar el prototipo antes de empezar la producción en masa.

We need to test the prototype before starting mass production.

Este es solo un prototipo de papel para ver cómo funcionará la aplicación.

This is just a paper prototype to see how the app will work.

Always Masculine

The word 'prototipo' is always masculine, so you always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even if you are talking about a feminine project.

Pluralization

To make it plural, just add an 's' at the end: 'los prototipos'.

Spelling Trap

Mistake:prototipó

Correction: prototipo (without the accent on the 'o')

simulación

nounA2general
Use 'simulación' when the mock-up is a representation or model of a situation or system, often used for training or practice, rather than testing a physical product's functionality.

Examples

Los pilotos practican en una simulación de vuelo.

The pilots practice in a flight simulation.

Prototipo vs. Simulación

Learners often confuse 'prototipo' and 'simulación' because both can refer to a model. Remember that 'prototipo' is usually a tangible, functional early version of a product, while 'simulación' is often a representation of a process or environment for practice.

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