Inklingo

How to Say "panel" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “panel” is “panel” — use 'panel' for a literal, flat, distinct section of a surface, such as in solar panels or wall panels. It can also refer to a group of experts discussing a topic..

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panel

/pah-nel//paˈnel/

nounA2general
Use 'panel' for a literal, flat, distinct section of a surface, such as in solar panels or wall panels. It can also refer to a group of experts discussing a topic.
A wooden wall featuring a distinct rectangular panel section.

Examples

Instalamos un panel solar en el techo para ahorrar energía.

We installed a solar panel on the roof to save energy.

El panel de control tiene muchos botones rojos.

The control panel has many red buttons.

Necesitamos otro panel de madera para terminar la pared.

We need another wooden panel to finish the wall.

Un panel de expertos discutirá el cambio climático.

A panel of experts will discuss climate change.

Making it Plural

Since 'panel' ends in a consonant, you add '-es' to make it plural: 'los paneles'.

Group Nouns

Even though a 'panel' is a group of people, use a singular verb: 'El panel decidió' (The panel decided).

Plural Spelling

Mistake: “los panels”

Correction: los paneles

comité

nounB1formal
Use 'comité' for a small, formal group of people gathered to discuss or decide on specific matters, often in organizations or government.

Examples

El comité se reunió para discutir la propuesta de ley.

The committee met to discuss the bill proposal.

mesa

/MEH-sah//ˈme.sa/

nounB2formal
Use 'mesa' specifically when referring to a group of experts or a board of directors who are formally discussing or making decisions, often in a professional setting.
Four diverse professional adults sitting around a large round table, gesturing and discussing a serious topic, representing a committee or board.

Examples

La mesa directiva se reunirá mañana para tomar una decisión.

The board of directors will meet tomorrow to make a decision.

Se organizó una mesa redonda con expertos para debatir el problema.

A round table discussion with experts was organized to debate the problem.

El presidente de la mesa electoral contó los votos.

The chairman of the polling station board counted the votes.

placa

PLAH-kah/ˈplaka/

nounB2technical
Use 'placa' for a flat section or sheet of material, especially for technical or construction purposes like circuit boards or wall coverings.
A large, thin, rectangular sheet of shiny silver metal resting flat on a surface.

Examples

Necesitamos una placa de yeso para cubrir esta pared.

We need a sheet of drywall (gypsum plate) to cover this wall.

La placa solar genera suficiente energía para la casa.

The solar panel generates enough energy for the house.

Technical Compound Nouns

You will often see 'placa' combined with another noun to name a specific object, such as 'placa base' (motherboard) or 'placa dental' (dental plaque).

Panel vs. Comité/Mesa for Groups

The most common mistake is using 'panel' when referring to a group of people. While 'panel' can mean a group of experts, 'comité' is generally used for smaller, deliberative bodies, and 'mesa' often implies a more formal board or round table discussion.

Related Translations

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