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How to Say "radio station" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “radio station” is “radio” — use 'radio' when referring to the general concept of broadcast media, the act of listening to broadcasts, or the company/channel that airs programs.

English → Spanish

radio

RA-dyoˈra.ðjo

NounA1General
Use 'radio' when referring to the general concept of broadcast media, the act of listening to broadcasts, or the company/channel that airs programs.
A colorful, simple illustration of a retro portable radio playing music.

Examples

Me gusta escuchar la radio en el coche.

I like to listen to the radio in the car.

¿Puedes encender la radio? Quiero oír las noticias.

Can you turn on the radio? I want to hear the news.

Mi abuela todavía tiene una radio antigua que funciona perfectamente.

My grandmother still has an old radio that works perfectly.

A Feminine Word Ending in '-o'

This is a big one! Even though it ends in '-o', when we talk about the broadcast or the device, 'radio' is a girl. Always say 'la radio' or 'una radio'.

Using 'el' instead of 'la'

Mistake: “Escucho *el radio* por la mañana.”

Correction: Escucho *la radio* por la mañana. Remember, for the broadcast medium, it's always feminine ('la').

emisora

eh-mee-SOH-rahemiˈsoɾa

NounA2General
Use 'emisora' specifically to refer to an individual radio station as a business or entity that broadcasts content.
A friendly radio host wearing headphones speaking into a large professional microphone inside a studio.

Examples

Mi emisora favorita pone música de los ochenta.

My favorite radio station plays eighties music.

Esta emisora transmite noticias las veinticuatro horas del día.

This station broadcasts news twenty-four hours a day.

La emisora local ha ganado un premio por su cobertura informativa.

The local broadcaster has won an award for its news coverage.

Always Feminine

The word 'emisora' is always feminine. Even if the person talking is a man, you must use 'la emisora' or 'una emisora'.

Emisora vs. Radio

Use 'radio' for the physical device you hold, but use 'emisora' for the organization or the specific channel you are listening to.

Confusing station types

Mistake: “Voy a la emisora de tren.”

Correction: Voy a la estación de tren. Use 'emisora' only for broadcasting (radio/TV), not for transport.

Choosing Between 'Radio' and 'Emisora'

Learners often confuse 'radio' and 'emisora'. While 'radio' can sometimes mean a specific station, it more commonly refers to the medium or the act of listening. Use 'emisora' when you specifically mean the broadcast company or channel itself.

Related Translations

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