Inklingo

How to Say "screen" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “screen” is “pantalla” — use 'pantalla' for the electronic display of devices like phones, computers, and televisions.

English → Spanish

pantalla

pan-TA-yapanˈtaʎa

nounA1general
Use 'pantalla' for the electronic display of devices like phones, computers, and televisions.
A brightly lit, rectangular computer monitor displaying a simple, colorful landscape with a blue sky and green hills.

Examples

La pantalla de mi móvil se rompió cuando se me cayó.

The screen of my cell phone broke when I dropped it.

Ayer compré una televisión con una pantalla muy grande.

Yesterday I bought a television with a very large screen.

Estuve mirando la pantalla de mi ordenador todo el día.

I was staring at my computer screen all day.

Gender Reminder

Remember 'pantalla' is feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it: 'la pantalla'.

Confusing 'Pantalla' and 'Pizarra'

Mistake: “Using 'pantalla' for a chalkboard or whiteboard.”

Correction: Use 'pizarra' for a physical board where you write. 'Pantalla' is for electronic display or projection.

monitor

moh-nee-tohrmoniˈtoɾ

nounA1general
Use 'monitor' specifically for a computer screen or display unit.
A sleek computer screen displaying a colorful landscape on a clean desk.

Examples

Necesito un monitor más grande para mi computadora.

I need a bigger monitor for my computer.

El monitor de la clínica muestra los latidos del corazón.

The clinic's monitor shows the heartbeats.

Always Masculine for Technology

When referring to a screen or a device, this word is always masculine ('el monitor'), regardless of who is using it.

malla

MA-yahˈma.ʝa

nounA2general
Use 'malla' for a mesh material, often used for windows or barriers to keep things out or in.
A close-up view of a metal wire mesh screen with a repeating diamond pattern.

Examples

Pusimos una malla metálica para que el perro no se escape.

We put up a wire mesh so the dog wouldn't escape.

La pelota de tenis golpeó la malla y no pasó.

The tennis ball hit the netting and didn't go over.

Necesitas una malla fina para filtrar la arena.

You need a fine mesh to filter the sand.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine. Use 'la malla' or 'una malla' regardless of what the mesh is made of.

Singular vs. Material

When talking about the physical object (like a fence), use 'la malla'. When talking about the material in general, you still use 'la malla'.

Confusing 'malla' with 'red'

Mistake: “Using 'malla' for a fishing net.”

Correction: Use 'red' for fishing or hairnets. Use 'malla' for metal, construction, or structured industrial netting.

filtro

feel-trohˈfil.tɾo

nounA2general
Use 'filtro' when referring to a device that screens or filters substances, like in a coffee maker or water purifier, or metaphorically for a selection process.
A colorful funnel with a fine mesh screen separating clear water from small dark particles.

Examples

Necesito cambiar el filtro de la cafetera.

I need to change the coffee maker's filter.

Esa foto se ve mejor con un filtro blanco y negro.

That photo looks better with a black and white filter.

El primer examen de la universidad es un filtro muy difícil.

The first university exam is a very difficult screening process.

Masculine Ending

Since it ends in -o, this word is masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it: 'el filtro'.

Using 'sin filtro' as an Adjective

When describing a person, you can say they are 'sin filtro' to mean they are very honest or even rude.

Filter vs. Strainer

Mistake: “Using 'filtro' for a pasta sieve.”

Correction: Use 'colador' for kitchen sieves (pasta, vegetables) and 'filtro' for things that catch tiny particles (coffee, air, water).

cortina

kor-TEE-nahkoɾˈtina

nounB2general
Use 'cortina' metaphorically to mean a screen or curtain that conceals or obscures, like a 'smoke screen'.
A dense wall of green trees and bushes acting as a natural screen in a garden.

Examples

Una cortina de humo ocultó los planes del gobierno.

A smoke screen hid the government's plans.

A lo lejos se veía una cortina de lluvia.

In the distance, a curtain of rain could be seen.

Using 'De' for Description

To describe what the 'screen' is made of (like smoke or rain), simply add 'de' followed by the substance.

poner

POHN-gahnˈpoŋ.ɡan

verbB1general
Use the verb 'poner' (in forms like 'pongan') to mean 'to show' or 'to play' a movie or performance.
A finger pressing a switch to turn on a bright yellow table lamp, causing illumination.

Examples

¡Que pongan la música ya!

They should play the music already!

Les pedimos que pongan la calefacción.

We ask you all to turn on the heating.

Cuando lleguen, pongan ese canal de noticias.

When you all arrive, turn on that news channel.

Mixing up 'poner' and 'encender'

Mistake: “Sometimes learners use 'encender' (to light/turn on) for media, when 'poner' is more common.”

Correction: Use 'poner' (pongan) when you mean 'play' or 'put on' a movie, show, or music. Use 'encender' for simple light switches.

Electronic vs. Physical Screens

Learners often confuse 'pantalla' and 'monitor' with 'malla'. Remember that 'pantalla' and 'monitor' refer to electronic displays, while 'malla' is a physical mesh. 'Cortina' is almost always metaphorical for a screen.

Related Translations

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