Inklingo

How to Say "simulation" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forsimulationis simulaciónuse 'simulación' when referring to the imitation of a real-world process or system, often for training or analysis purposes..

English → Spanish

simulación

nounA2general
Use 'simulación' when referring to the imitation of a real-world process or system, often for training or analysis purposes.

Examples

Los pilotos practican en una simulación de vuelo.

The pilots practice in a flight simulation.

simulacro

see-moo-LAH-kroh/simuˈlakɾo/

nounB1general
Use 'simulacro' when you mean a practice drill or a test run of a procedure, like an emergency exercise.
A group of people wearing bright safety vests walking calmly out of a building in an orderly line.

Examples

Hoy tendremos un simulacro de incendio en el colegio.

Today we will have a fire drill at school.

Los médicos hicieron un simulacro de emergencia para estar listos.

The doctors did an emergency drill to be ready.

Haremos un simulacro de examen antes de la prueba real.

We will do a mock exam before the real test.

Masculine Gender

This word ends in 'o', making it masculine. You should always use it with 'el' or 'un' (el simulacro).

Using 'de' for Specifics

To say what kind of drill it is, simply add 'de' plus the event: 'simulacro de sismo' (earthquake drill).

Simulacro vs. Simulación

Mistake:Usar 'simulación de incendio' para una práctica escolar.

Correction: Use 'simulacro de incendio'. While both mean 'simulation,' 'simulacro' specifically implies a physical rehearsal or safety drill.

Simulación vs. Simulacro

Learners often confuse 'simulación' and 'simulacro' because both involve practice. Remember that 'simulacro' is specifically for drills or test runs, like a fire drill, while 'simulación' is a broader imitation of a system.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.