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How to Say "television set" in Spanish

English → Spanish

televisión

nounA1general
Use 'televisión' when referring to the concept of television as a medium, or when speaking about the electronic device in a general sense without emphasizing its physical form.

Examples

Me encanta ver la televisión los domingos.

I love watching television on Sundays.

televisor

/te-le-bee-SORE//teleβiˈsoɾ/

nounA1general
Use 'televisor' specifically when referring to the physical electronic device or appliance itself, often when discussing its size, condition, or placement.
A modern flat-screen television set sitting on a wooden stand in a cozy room.

Examples

El televisor de la sala es muy grande.

The television set in the living room is very big.

Tengo que reparar mi televisor porque no enciende.

I have to repair my TV set because it won't turn on.

Apaga el televisor antes de dormir.

Turn off the TV set before sleeping.

The Gender of Objects

In Spanish, objects have a gender. This word is masculine, so you must use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) with it: 'el televisor'.

Televisión vs. Televisor

Mistake: “Using 'televisor' to mean the programs or the medium.”

Correction: Use 'televisión' for the shows/media and 'televisor' for the physical box/screen you buy at the store.

General vs. Specific

Learners often confuse 'televisión' and 'televisor' by using them interchangeably. Remember that 'televisión' can refer to the medium or the device generally, while 'televisor' is strictly the physical appliance.

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