canal
/kaˈnal/masculine
The English word 'channel' translates to Spanish as canal.
In the context of broadcasting, canal is used for both traditional television channels and digital media channels like YouTube. Note that while canal can mean a physical waterway, in media contexts it refers specifically to a broadcasting frequency or stream.
Meaning: broadcasting: specific radio frequency or band of frequencies used for transmitting television (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of canal is canales.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈnal/
Did you know?
- The root of canal can be traced back to the Akkadian word qanûm, meaning 'reed'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase cambiar de canal is used figuratively to mean changing the subject of a conversation abruptly.
- In a medical setting, a canal can refer to an anatomical duct or a catheter, creating a potential linguistic misunderstanding if discussing media in a hospital.
Examples in context
- No cambies de canal.Don't change the channel.Tatoeba #4786368 by alegarvid, translation #2270336 by CK
- Es hora de las noticias en Canal 79.It's time for the news on Channel 79.Tatoeba #1745748 by marcelostockle, translation #681560 by Source_VOA
- Me estoy desuscribiendo del canal de Tom.I'm unsubscribing from Tom's channel.Tatoeba #11310116 by Bonaaq, translation #11052416 by shekitten
- ¿En qué cadena televisiva está ese programa?Which TV channel is that program on?
- Puede sintonizar ese canal en su televisiónYou can tune in to that channel on your TV
- ¿En qué canal está la serie que nos gusta?On which channel is the series we like?
- Hay muchos canales interesantes en la televisión por cableThere are many interesting channels on cable TV
- Ese programa está en una buena emisoraThat program is on a good channel
- Prefiero los canales de documentalesI prefer documentary channels
- La emisora de música está en la frecuencia 103.5The music channel is on frequency 103.5
- ¡Cambien a la emisora de noticias!Switch to the news channel on the radio
- Quisiera ver la película en un canal en españolI would like to watch the movie on a Spanish channel
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are sitting in the living room watching television.
- SofíaJavier, ¿puedes cambiar de canal?Javier, can you change the channel?
- JavierClaro, ¿qué canal quieres ver?Sure, which channel do you want to watch?
- SofíaPon el canal de documentales, por favor.Put on the documentary channel, please.
- JavierVale, ahí lo tienes.Okay, there you go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “channel” translations and entries canal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
