Inklingo

How to Say "online" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conectado

ko-nek-TAH-dohkonekˈtado

adjectiveA1general
Use 'conectado' when referring to a device or person that is actively using an internet connection, emphasizing the state of being linked.
A bright red electrical cord connecting two simple, stylized electronic devices, symbolizing a physical link.

Examples

Mi teléfono está conectado a internet.

My phone is connected to the internet.

Mi computadora está conectado al wifi de la oficina.

My computer is connected to the office wifi.

Asegúrate de que el cable esté bien conectado a la pantalla.

Make sure the cable is well connected to the screen.

Estuve conectado toda la mañana en la reunión virtual.

I was online all morning in the virtual meeting.

Adjective Agreement

When used as an adjective (describing a noun), 'conectado' must match the thing it describes in gender and number: 'la línea está conectada' (feminine), 'los dispositivos están conectados' (plural).

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake: “La impresora es conectada.”

Correction: La impresora está conectada. (Use 'estar' because being connected is a temporary state or condition, not a permanent characteristic.)

virtual

beer-too-AHLbiɾˈtwal

adjectiveA1general
Use 'virtual' when describing an event, meeting, or activity that takes place over the internet, rather than in a physical location.
A person wearing a headset with glowing blue light, interacting with a floating holographic cube in a colorful digital space.

Examples

La clase será virtual la próxima semana.

The class will be virtual next week.

Tengo una reunión virtual a las diez.

I have a virtual meeting at ten.

Los estudiantes prefieren el aula virtual.

The students prefer the virtual classroom.

La realidad virtual es el futuro de los videojuegos.

Virtual reality is the future of video games.

One Form for All

In Spanish, adjectives that end in 'l' don't change for masculine or feminine. You use 'virtual' for both boys and girls, or objects of any gender.

Placement is Key

Just like most adjectives in Spanish, 'virtual' usually comes after the thing it is describing (e.g., 'reunión virtual').

Adding an 'a' for Feminine Words

Mistake: “La clase virtuala.”

Correction: La clase virtual. Remember, words ending in 'l' stay the same regardless of gender.

Conectado vs. Virtual

Learners often confuse 'conectado' and 'virtual' by using 'conectado' for events or activities. Remember, 'conectado' describes the state of being connected to the internet, while 'virtual' describes the nature of an activity or event happening online.

Related Translations

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