Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| computadora | /komputaˈdoɾa/ | Latin America, feminine |
| computador | /komputaˈdoɾ/ | Chile, Colombia, masculine |
| ordenador | /oɾdenaˈdoɾ/ | Spain, masculine |
All these terms refer to a programmable electronic device. In professional or corporate environments, you may also encounter the formal phrase Equipo de cómputo, which translates to computing equipment.
Which one should you use?
In Spain, ordenador is the standard term, while computadora is rarely used there. In most of Latin America, computadora is the most common term and ordenador is much less frequent. The form computador is also used in specific Latin American contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
ordenador is the standard term used in Spain. computadora is common throughout much of Latin America. The masculine form computador is specifically common in countries such as Chile and Colombia.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form computadora requires the feminine article la, while the masculine form ordenador requires the masculine article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/komputaˈdoɾa/
Did you know?
- The Spanish term ordenador is a direct loan from the French word ordinateur. This explains why Spain uses a different root than most of Latin America.
- If you call a computer an ordenador in Mexico or Argentina, people will understand you, but you will sound like you are from Spain.
- The word computadora describes the machine, but the action of using a computer is often described by the verb computar, which is far less common in daily speech than the noun.
Examples in context
- El ordenador es nuevo.The computer is new.This sentence describes the age of the computer using ordenador.Tatoeba #475349 by Shishir, translation #50353 by CK
- Mi computador es caro.My computer is expensive.This sentence describes the cost of the computer using computador.Tatoeba #1457828 by marcelostockle, translation #1098625 by cntrational
- No tengo un ordenador.I don't have a computer.This sentence expresses not having a computer using ordenador.Tatoeba #3265697 by cueyayotl, translation #1773405 by Spamster
- Necesitamos actualizar los ordenadores de la oficina.We need to update the office computers.
- ¿Has visto mi PC? No puedo encontrarlo.Have you seen my computer? I can't find it.
- Estoy buscando un nuevo computador para trabajar.I'm looking for a new computer for work.
- 442 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are at a technology store.
- JavierMaría, ¿qué computadora quieres?María, which computer do you want?
- MaríaQuiero una computadora para estudiar.I want a computer to study.
- JavierEsta computadora es muy rápida.This computer is very fast.
- MaríaSí, es perfecta para mí.Yes, it is perfect for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “computer” translations and entries computadora, computador, ordenador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries computador, computadora, ordenador, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
