por defecto
/poɾ defeɡto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "default" (referring to electronics or computing) is translated into Spanish as por defecto.
In the context of electronics and computing, por defecto is the standard way to express "by default" when referring to software settings, factory configurations or automatic behaviors.
Meaning: electronics, computing: original settings (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, por defecto translates to "by defect" or "by flaw", but in a technical context, it functions as "by default".
Which one should you use?
While por defecto is the correct term for computing settings, it should not be used to describe failing to fulfill a financial obligation. In legal or financial contexts, you should use terms like incumplimiento or mora instead.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ defeɡto/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use por defecto to mean failing to pay a debt. In those instances, use incumplimiento or mora.
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the word mora for a financial default, which literally means 'delay' and is derived from the Latin word for 'lingering'.
- While por defecto is standard in computing, you will often see predeterminado used in software menus to mean 'default'. This latter term describes something 'predetermined' rather than something that happens by flaw.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you say a setting is por defecto, a non-technical person might think you are describing a setting that is 'broken' rather than 'standard'.
Examples in context
- ¿Estás usando las configuraciones por defecto?Are you using the default settings?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is using the settings of por defecto.Tatoeba #831388 by LugoIlmer, translation #267045 by CK
- La interfaz de todas las aplicaciones deben ser negras por defecto.The user interface of all apps should be black by default.This sentence is useful for stating that an interface should be a certain color por defecto.Tatoeba #9150711 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9150712 by rafaeldejesus8199
- El valor por defecto es 5.The default value is 5.
- La configuración de serie es muy fácil de usar.The standard setting is very user-friendly.
- El idioma por defecto es el inglés.The default language is English.
Example conversation
Javier and María are troubleshooting a new laptop.
- Javier¿Por qué la contraseña es la que viene por defecto?Why is the password the default one?
- MaríaEs la configuración por defecto del fabricante.It is the manufacturer's default setting.
- JavierDebemos cambiarla de inmediato.We should change it immediately.
- MaríaTienes razón, Javier.You are right, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
