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How to Say "screen" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pantalla

/pan-TA-ya//panˈtaʎa/

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-tohr//moniˈtoɾ/

nounA1general
Use 'monitor' specifically for a computer monitor, the external 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.

cortina

/kor-TEE-nah//koɾˈtina/

nounB2general
Use 'cortina' metaphorically for a barrier or covering, like a 'smoke screen' or a theatrical curtain.
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.

pongan

POHN-gahn/ˈpoŋ.ɡan/

verbB1general
Use 'pongan' (from 'poner') when referring to showing or playing a movie or a 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.

Screen vs. Display

The most common confusion is between 'pantalla' and 'monitor'. Remember that 'pantalla' is a general term for any electronic screen (phone, TV, computer), while 'monitor' specifically refers to a computer monitor.

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