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How to Say "monitor" in Spanish

English → Spanish

monitor

/moh-nee-tohr//moniˈtoɾ/

nounA1
Use this word when referring to the electronic screen of a computer or other 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.

pantalla

/pan-TA-ya//panˈtaʎa/

nounA1
Use this word to refer specifically to the display or screen part of a device, like a 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.

controlar

kohn-troh-LAHR/kon.tɾoˈlaɾ/

verbB2
Use this verb when you mean to check, supervise, or keep track of something, like progress or a process.
A uniformed inspector using a magnifying glass to closely examine a ticket.

Examples

El guardia controló mi billete en la entrada del museo.

The guard checked my ticket at the museum entrance.

Tenemos que controlar los datos semanalmente para ver si hay errores.

We have to monitor the data weekly to see if there are errors.

rastrear

rahs-treh-ar/ras.tɾeˈaɾ/

verbA2
Use this verb when you mean to track or follow the movement or progress of something, like a package or a signal.
A close-up view of clear, distinct large animal footprints leading across a soft, muddy forest floor.

Examples

Quiero rastrear mi paquete, ¿ya salió de la aduana?

I want to track my package; has it left customs yet?

La policía pudo rastrear la llamada hasta un edificio abandonado.

The police were able to trace the call to an abandoned building.

Los perros están rastreando el olor del excursionista perdido.

The dogs are tracking the scent of the lost hiker.

A Regular Verb

Rastrear is a completely regular -AR verb, meaning it follows all the standard conjugation patterns. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar,' you know how to conjugate 'rastrear'!

Confusing 'Rastrear' and 'Buscar'

Mistake: “Usar 'rastrear' cuando solo se quiere 'buscar'.”

Correction: Use 'buscar' (to look for) when the item is simply lost. Use 'rastrear' (to track/trace) when you are following a systematic trail or signal.

Confusing 'monitor' (device) with 'monitor' (verb)

Learners often confuse the Spanish noun 'monitor' (for the computer screen) with the verb 'controlar' or 'rastrear'. Remember, 'monitor' in Spanish usually refers only to the electronic device, while 'controlar' and 'rastrear' are verbs for actions of checking or tracking.

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