datáfono
/datafono/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the English phrase "card machine" is translated as datáfono.
The term refers to an electronic device used by merchants to process credit or debit card payments.
Which one should you use?
While datáfono is a common standard, you may encounter more formal variations such as Terminal para tarjetas or Dispositivo de pago con tarjeta, which mean "card machine" and "card payment device" respectively.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, datáfono is the standard term, though people also use the abbreviation TPV (Terminal de Punto de Venta). In many Latin American countries, you are more likely to hear terminal de punto de venta or simply terminal instead of datáfono.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of datáfono is datáfonos.
How do you pronounce it?
/datafono/
Did you know?
- The word datáfono is a hybrid construction, combining the Spanish word for 'data' with the Greek-derived suffix -fono, which relates to sound.
- If you are in a shop in Spain and ask for the 'card machine', asking for the TPV will actually make you sound more like a local professional.
- In many Latin American countries, people skip the long official name and simply ask ¿tienen terminal? to see if a shop accepts card payments.
Examples in context
- ¿Me podrías prestar tu datáfono?Could you lend me your card machine?
- No olvides llevar tu terminal, nunca sabemos cuándo lo necesitaremos.Don't forget to bring your card machine, we never know when we'll need it.
- Necesito una terminal para tarjetas de crédito.I need a card machine for credit cards.
- ¡Hola! ¿Me podrías ayudar a configurar mi terminal de tarjetas?Hi! Could you help me set up my card machine?
- El datáfono no funciona correctamente.The card machine is not working correctly.
- ¿Me puedes pasar el datáfono, por favor?Can you pass me the card machine, please?
- Necesito comprar un datáfono nuevo para mi tienda.I need to buy a new card machine for my shop.
Example conversation
At a small coffee shop, a customer is trying to pay.
- María¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?Can I pay with a card?
- JavierSí, aquí tiene el datáfono.Yes, here is the card machine.
- MaríaGracias, el datáfono es muy rápido.Thank you, the card machine is very fast.
- JavierMe alegra que le guste.I am glad you like it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries datáfono, CC BY-SA 4.0.
