Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| computadora | /komputaˈdoɾa/ | Latin America, feminine |
| computador | /komputaˈdoɾ/ | Chile, Colombia, masculine |
| ordenador | /oɾdenaˈdoɾ/ | Spain, masculine |
All three forms refer to a programmable electronic device.
Which one should you use?
In most of Latin America, computadora is the most common way to say computer, while ordenador is rarely used. In Spain, ordenador is the standard term, whereas computadora is more common in the Americas. In certain Latin American countries like Chile and Colombia, the masculine form computador is frequently used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
ordenador is the term used in Spain and other European Spanish-speaking countries. computadora is the most widespread word in Latin America, including Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Peru. computador is frequently used in Chile and Colombia.
How does it change in a sentence?
computadora is a feminine noun and requires the feminine article la. ordenador is a masculine noun and requires the masculine article el. computador is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/komputaˈdoɾa/
When do people say it?
In certain Spanish-speaking Caribbean countries like Cuba and Puerto Rico, la compu is a popular short form of computadora.
Did you know?
- The word computar does not just refer to electronics but is used in formal Spanish to describe the act of counting votes in an election.
- The term ordenador is a 'loanword' from the French word ordinateur, making it a linguistic traveler from France to Spain.
- While ordenador refers to the machine, the verb ordenar means 'to tidy up' or 'to command'. This gives the word a double sense of organization and authority.
Examples in context
- El ordenador es nuevo.The computer is new.This sentence shows how to describe the age of an ordenador.Tatoeba #475349 by Shishir, translation #50353 by CK
- Mi computador es caro.My computer is expensive.This sentence shows how to describe the price of a computador.Tatoeba #1457828 by marcelostockle, translation #1098625 by cntrational
- No tengo un ordenador.I don't have a computer.This sentence shows how to express possession or lack of an ordenador.Tatoeba #3265697 by cueyayotl, translation #1773405 by Spamster
- Necesito utilizar el ordenador para terminar este informe.I need to use the computer to finish this report.
- Mi computadora se descompuso y necesito arreglarla.My computer broke, and I need to fix it.
- Mi PC es perfecta para jugar videojuegos.My PC is perfect for playing video games.
- Este equipo necesita una actualización de software.This computer needs a software update.
- 442 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are in their home office.
- Javier¿Has visto mi computadora, María?Have you seen my computer, María?
- MaríaSí, está sobre la mesa.Yes, it is on the table.
- JavierGracias, la estaba buscando.Thanks, I was looking for it.
- MaríaDe nada, Javier.You're welcome, Javier.
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.
