Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Laptop in Spanish: Portátil / Laptop
Portátil · noun (masculine) · pohr-TAH-teel
The Spanish word for laptop varies by region. In Spain, 'ordenador portátil' (or simply 'portátil') is standard. In Latin America, 'computadora portátil' is the full form, though the English loanword 'laptop' is widely accepted in many countries, particularly Mexico. All forms are understood across the Spanish-speaking world.
Pronounce 'portátil' as pohr-TAH-teel, with stress on the second syllable marked by the accent. The loanword 'laptop' keeps its English pronunciation in most regions.
Dejé mi portátil cargando en la oficina toda la noche.
I left my laptop charging in the office all night.
Laptop in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for laptop, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| portátil | laptop | pohr-TAH-teel | Default, widely understood |
| laptop | laptop | English loanword widely used in Mexico and Central America | |
| computadora portátil | laptop | full descriptive term used in Latin America | |
| ordenador portátil | laptop | standard term in Spain |
How Native Speakers Use Portátil
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
At work
Necesito mi portátil para la presentación de mañana.
I need my laptop for tomorrow's presentation.
Preparing for a business meeting.
Shopping for electronics
Esta computadora portátil tiene dieciséis gigas de memoria RAM.
This laptop has sixteen gigs of RAM.
Comparing specifications at an electronics store.
At a café
¿Tienen enchufes donde pueda cargar mi laptop?
Do you have outlets where I can charge my laptop?
Working remotely at a coffee shop.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Portátil
Using computador instead of computadora
Incorrect: Compré un computador portátil nuevo.
Correct: Compré una computadora portátil nueva.
In most of Latin America, the standard term is 'computadora' (feminine), not 'computador' (masculine), though 'computador' is used in Colombia.
Mixing regional terms
Incorrect: Mi ordenador portátil (said in Mexico).
Correct: Mi laptop / Mi computadora portátil.
In Mexico, 'ordenador' sounds foreign — speakers use 'computadora portátil' or simply 'laptop.'
Lock in Laptop 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 Portátil used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using portátil in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Dejé mi portátil cargando en la oficina toda la noche. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Laptop in Spanish
- Should I say 'laptop' or 'portátil' in Spanish?
- In Spain, 'portátil' is the natural choice, while in Mexico and much of Latin America the English loanword 'laptop' is perfectly acceptable in everyday speech.
- What is the gender of 'portátil'?
- When used as a standalone noun, 'el portátil' is masculine in Spain, but the full phrase 'la computadora portátil' is feminine in Latin America because 'computadora' is the head noun.
- How do I say 'desktop computer' in Spanish?
- A desktop computer is called 'computadora de escritorio' in Latin America or 'ordenador de sobremesa' in Spain, distinguishing it from the portable version.