How to Say "recorder" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “recorder” is “flauta” — use 'flauta' when referring to the simple wind instrument, often made of plastic, commonly played by children in schools..
flauta
/flau-tah//ˈflauta/
Examples
Mi hermana toca la flauta en la banda del colegio.
My sister plays the recorder in the school band.
La flauta dulce es un instrumento muy común en las clases de música.
The recorder is a very common instrument in music classes.
El sonido de la flauta travesera es elegante y brillante.
The sound of the Western concert flute is elegant and bright.
Gender of Musical Instruments
Like most words ending in 'a', 'flauta' is feminine. Use 'la' or 'una' with it.
Playing Music vs. Playing Games
In Spanish, use the verb 'tocar' to talk about playing an instrument. Never use 'jugar', which is only for sports and games.
Confusing 'Recorder' and 'Flute'
Mistake: “Using 'el flauta' for a flute.”
Correction: Say 'la flauta'. Also, remember that in Spanish, the word 'flauta' covers both the professional metal flute and the simple plastic recorder children use.
grabadora
/grah-bah-DOH-rah//ɡɾaβaˈðoɾa/
Examples
Uso una grabadora para mis clases de español.
I use a recorder for my Spanish classes.
El periodista sacó su grabadora para la entrevista.
The journalist took out his recorder for the interview.
Esta grabadora digital tiene mucha memoria para audio de alta calidad.
This digital recorder has a lot of memory for high-quality audio.
Identifying Tools with -adora
In Spanish, the ending '-adora' is often added to a verb to create the name of a machine or tool that does that action. Here, 'grabar' (to record) becomes 'grabadora' (the thing that records).
The Gender of Machines
Most handheld devices or household machines ending in '-a' are feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with 'grabadora'.
Recorder vs. Record
Mistake: “Usar 'grabadora' para hablar de un récord deportivo.”
Correction: Use 'récord' for sports achievements. 'Grabadora' is strictly the physical device for sound.
Gender confusion
Mistake: “El grabadora.”
Correction: La grabadora. Words ending in '-ora' for tools are feminine.
Musical Instrument vs. Recording Device
Related Translations
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