Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Default in Spanish
Predeterminado · adjective · preh-deh-tehr-mee-NAH-doh
The Spanish translation of default depends on context. For technology and settings, it is 'predeterminado' or 'por defecto.' In finance and law, a default on a payment is an 'incumplimiento.' Each meaning requires a different Spanish word.
Pronounce 'predeterminado' as preh-deh-tehr-mee-NAH-doh, with six syllables and the stress on the fifth. For 'incumplimiento,' say een-koom-plee-MYEN-toh.
La configuración predeterminada ya funciona bien.
The default configuration already works well.
default in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for default, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| predeterminado | default | preh-deh-tehr-mee-NAH-doh | Default, widely understood |
| incumplimiento | default | financial/legal default | |
| por defecto | default | computing term |
How Native Speakers Use Predeterminado
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Technology setting
Restauré el teléfono a la configuración predeterminada.
I restored the phone to its default settings.
Resetting a device to factory defaults.
Financial context
El país entró en incumplimiento de su deuda.
The country went into default on its debt.
Discussing a financial default.
Software use
El navegador por defecto es Chrome.
The default browser is Chrome.
Talking about computer settings.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Predeterminado
Using defecto alone
Incorrect: Las opciones de defecto están bien.
Correct: Las opciones predeterminadas están bien.
'Defecto' alone means defect or flaw. You need 'predeterminado' or the phrase 'por defecto' to convey the meaning of default.
Mixing contexts
Incorrect: Hubo un predeterminado en el pago.
Correct: Hubo un incumplimiento en el pago.
'Predeterminado' is for settings and configurations. For financial defaults, use 'incumplimiento' (failure to pay).
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Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Predeterminado used by native speakers
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Common Questions About default in Spanish
- What is the difference between predeterminado and por defecto?
- Both 'predeterminado' and 'por defecto' mean default in a technology context, with 'predeterminado' being the more formal term and 'por defecto' a calque from English commonly used in everyday tech talk.
- How do you say default on a loan in Spanish?
- A loan default is an 'incumplimiento de pago' or 'impago,' both of which describe the failure to meet a financial obligation.
- Can defecto mean default in Spanish?
- On its own, 'defecto' means defect or flaw, but in the phrase 'por defecto' it takes on the meaning of 'by default,' functioning as a computing and general-purpose term.