Inklingo

How to Say "remote control" in Spanish

English → Spanish

control

/kon-trol//konˈtɾol/

nounA2informal
Use 'control' when referring to the physical device that operates a TV, stereo, or other electronic equipment, especially in informal contexts.
A simple, gray, rectangular remote control device with three large, colorful buttons resting on a plush sofa cushion.

Examples

¿Me pasas el control de la tele, por favor?

Can you pass me the TV remote, please?

No encuentro el control del aire acondicionado.

I can't find the remote for the air conditioning.

Using 'Remoto'

Mistake: “Pásame el remoto.”

Correction: Pásame el control. While 'control remoto' is the full name, people almost always shorten it to just 'control', especially in Latin America. Using just 'remoto' is less common.

mando

/mahn-doh//ˈman.do/

nounA2
Use 'mando' for the device that controls a TV or other electronic appliance, often considered a slightly more formal or standard term.
A gray rectangular remote control device with several large, colorful buttons on its surface.

Examples

¿Puedes pasarme el mando de la televisión?

Can you pass me the TV remote?

Mi hijo rompió el mando de la consola al perder la partida.

My son broke the game controller when he lost the match.

Mando vs. Control

While 'control remoto' is understood, in Spain and parts of Latin America, 'mando' is the much more common and casual way to refer to the device you hold.

Using 'mando' for general control

Mistake: “No tengo mando sobre mis emociones.”

Correction: Say 'No tengo control sobre mis emociones.' Use 'mando' only for physical devices or organizational authority.

Control vs. Mando

Learners often wonder if one word is definitively 'better' than the other. In reality, both 'control' and 'mando' are widely understood for 'remote control' in most Spanish-speaking countries. Don't overthink it; choose the one that feels more natural to you or the context.

Related Translations

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