Inklingo

How to Say "speaker" in Spanish

English → Spanish

altavoz

/al-tah-bohs//altaˈβos/

nounA2general
Use 'altavoz' when referring to the electronic component of a device that produces sound, like on a phone, computer, or stereo system.
A modern black electronic speaker sitting on a wooden surface with colorful sound waves coming out of it.

Examples

El altavoz de mi teléfono no funciona.

My phone's speaker doesn't work.

He comprado un altavoz inteligente para la cocina.

I bought a smart speaker for the kitchen.

No te escucho bien, por favor pon el móvil en altavoz.

I can't hear you well, please put the phone on speakerphone.

Making it plural

When you want to talk about more than one speaker, the 'z' at the end changes to a 'c' before adding 'es'. So, one is 'altavoz' and two are 'altavoces'.

Don't be fooled by 'voz'

In Spanish, 'la voz' (the voice) is feminine, but 'el altavoz' is always masculine, even though it has the word 'voz' inside it.

People vs. Machines

Mistake: “Calling a guest speaker at an event 'el altavoz'.”

Correction: Use 'el orador' or 'la oradora' for a person who speaks. 'Altavoz' is only for the electronic device.

bocina

/bo-SEE-nah//boˈθina/

nounB1general
Choose 'bocina' for a standalone electronic device designed to play audio, such as a portable Bluetooth speaker for music.
A modern rectangular electronic speaker box with a large circular driver.

Examples

Compré una bocina Bluetooth para mis fiestas.

I bought a Bluetooth speaker for my parties.

La música suena muy bien en estas bocinas.

The music sounds very good on these speakers.

Se rompió la bocina derecha de mi computadora.

The right speaker of my computer broke.

Plural Form

To talk about more than one, simply add an 's' to make it 'bocinas'.

Spanglish Warning

Mistake: “Me gusta tu speaker.”

Correction: Me gusta tu bocina. While many people understand 'speaker,' using 'bocina' is much better Spanish.

interlocutor

/een-ter-lo-koo-tohr//inteɾlokuˈtoɾ/

nounC1formal
Use 'interlocutor' when 'speaker' refers to a person participating in a conversation or discussion.
Two people sitting on a park bench, facing each other and engaged in a friendly conversation.

Examples

Mi interlocutor no parecía convencido por mis argumentos.

The person I was talking to didn't seem convinced by my arguments.

Es necesario buscar un interlocutor válido para resolver el conflicto.

It is necessary to find a valid representative to resolve the conflict.

Un buen interlocutor sabe escuchar antes de responder.

A good conversation partner knows how to listen before responding.

Describing Roles in Conversation

This word describes a role rather than a fixed identity. You become someone's 'interlocutor' the moment you start talking to them.

Gender Changes

While this entry focuses on the masculine form, if you are talking to a woman, you must change the ending to 'interlocutora'.

Interlocutor vs. Locutor

Mistake: “Using 'locutor' to mean a partner in a conversation.”

Correction: Use 'interlocutor' for your partner; 'locutor' is specifically for a radio or TV host.

Device vs. Person

The most common mistake is using 'altavoz' or 'bocina' (sound devices) when you mean a person speaking in a conversation. Remember that 'interlocutor' is the word for the person, while 'altavoz' and 'bocina' refer to sound-producing equipment.

Related Translations

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