código de barras
/ˌkodiɡo de ˈbaras/masculine
The Spanish word for barcode is código de barras.
código de barras is a masculine noun used to describe a set of machine-readable parallel bars.
Meaning: set of machine-readable parallel bars (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of código (code), de (of) and barras (bars).
Which one should you use?
While código de barras is the standard term, código de barras lineal can be used specifically to refer to linear barcodes.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, only the word código is pluralized to códigos, resulting in códigos de barras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkodiɡo de ˈbaras/
Did you know?
- The word código traces its lineage back to the Latin word 'caudex', which meant the 'trunk of a tree'.
- Unlike the English singular 'barcode', Spanish uses the plural barras because it views the code as a collection of multiple individual lines.
- A musician might confuse código de barras with musical terminology because barras is also used to refer to 'measures' or 'bars' in a score.
Examples in context
- El cajero escaneó el código de barras.The cashier scanned the barcode.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use código de barras in the context of a cashier scanning an item.Tatoeba #11664384 by Seael, translation #10795653 by ddnktr
- El producto tiene un código de barras para su identificaciónThe product has a barcode for identification
- El paquete contiene una etiqueta de barras con información del envíoThe package contains a barcode label with shipping information
- El sistema utiliza un escáner para leer el código de barras linealThe system uses a scanner to read the linear barcode
- ¿Sabes leer los códigos de barras?Do you know how to read barcodes?
- Encuentro muchos códigos de barra en los productosI encounter a lot of barcodes on products
- Busco el código de barras en la caja.I am looking for the barcode on the box.
- El código de barras está un poco borroso.The barcode is a little blurry.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are checking a product at a grocery store.
- Alejandro¿Ves el código de barras de este producto?Do you see the barcode of this product?
- ElenaNo, no encuentro el código de barras por ningún lado.No, I can't find the barcode anywhere.
- AlejandroAh, está debajo de la etiqueta.Ah, it is under the label.
- ElenaTienes razón, ya lo veo.You are right, I see it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “barcode” translations and entries código de barras, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries código, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
