Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Computer in Spanish
Computadora · noun · kohm-poo-tah-DOH-rah
Computadora is the most widespread Latin American Spanish word for computer. In Spain, the equivalent is ordenador, derived from the French ordinateur. Colombian Spanish often uses the masculine form computador. Regardless of which variant you choose, you will be understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
kohm-poo-tah-DOH-rah
Necesito una computadora nueva para trabajar desde casa.
I need a new computer to work from home.
Computer in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for computer, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| computadora | computer | kohm-poo-tah-DOH-rah | Default, widely understood |
| ordenador | computer | Spain | |
| computador | computer | Colombia |
How Native Speakers Use Computadora
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Office setting in Latin America
La computadora de la oficina se reinicia sola cada mañana.
The office computer restarts by itself every morning.
Computadora is feminine: la computadora, una computadora.
Shopping in Spain
Me compré un ordenador portátil con pantalla táctil.
I bought a laptop with a touchscreen.
Ordenador portátil is the standard Spanish (Spain) term for laptop.
Tech class in Colombia
El profesor nos pidió traer el computador para la clase de programación.
The teacher asked us to bring our computer for the programming class.
In Colombia, computador is masculine: el computador.
Troubleshooting
Mi computadora no enciende; creo que es un problema de la batería.
My computer won't turn on — I think it's a battery issue.
Encender means to turn on; apagar means to turn off.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Computadora
Gender mismatch in Latin America
Incorrect: El computadora está lento.
Correct: La computadora está lenta.
Computadora is feminine in most of Latin America. Both the article (la) and the adjective (lenta) must agree in feminine form.
Mixing regional terms awkwardly
Incorrect: Voy a comprar un ordenador en la tienda de computadoras.
Correct: Voy a comprar una computadora en la tienda de computadoras.
Mixing ordenador and computadora in the same sentence sounds unnatural. Pick one term and stick with it based on your audience.
Lock in Computer Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Computadora used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using computadora in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Necesito una computadora nueva para trabajar desde casa. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Computer in Spanish
- Which term should I learn — computadora or ordenador?
- If you plan to communicate primarily with Latin Americans, learn computadora. If your focus is Spain, use ordenador. Both are correct; the choice depends on your audience.
- How do I say laptop in Spanish?
- In Latin America, the most common terms are computadora portátil or laptop (borrowed from English). In Spain, the standard term is ordenador portátil.
- Is PC (computadora personal) used in Spanish?
- Yes, the abbreviation PC is borrowed from English and widely used in all Spanish-speaking regions, both in speech and writing, especially in tech contexts.