escritorio
/eskɾiˈtoɾjo/
The English phrase 'desktop' is translated into Spanish as escritorio.
In computing contexts, escritorio refers to the graphical user interface background where icons are located. To use 'desktop' as an adjective to describe a version of software, such as a 'desktop app', you should use the phrase de escritorio.
Meaning: a desktop computer (noun)
Which one should you use?
While escritorio refers to the computer desktop, it is the same word used for a physical piece of furniture, such as a desk.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, people may refer to a desktop as ordenador or ordenador de sobremesa. In Mexico, the term PC is commonly used. In Argentina, people may refer to a desktop as computadora de escritorio or escritorio.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskɾiˈtoɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word escritorio is a direct descendant of the Medieval Latin scrīptōrium, which was the specific room in a monastery where monks spent their days copying manuscripts.
- If you tell a stranger in many Latin American countries that you are 'buying a new escritorio', they will assume you are heading to a furniture store rather than an electronics shop.
- The root of escritorio is shared with the English word 'script', making it a distant relative to words like 'scripture' and 'transcript'.
Examples in context
- He creado un acceso directo en el escritorio.I created a shortcut on the desktop.This sentence shows how to use escritorio when talking about creating a shortcut.Tatoeba #1147878 by Shishir, translation #2160 by Zifre
- Mi escritorio se ha llenado completamente de cosas.My desktop has gotten cluttered.This sentence illustrates using escritorio to describe a cluttered interface.Tatoeba #1948159 by teskmon, translation #39461 by bmorsello
- navegador de escritorioDesktop browserThis sentence demonstrates the use of escritorio in the phrase 'navegador de escritorio' (desktop browser).
- Necesito ayuda con mi ordenador de escritorioI need help with my desktop computer
- Debo presentar mi informe en la computadora de escritorioI have to present my report on the desktop computer
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing which computer to buy for work.
- JavierPrefiero comprar un escritorio para mi oficina.I prefer to buy a desktop for my office.
- LucíaPero un portátil es más práctico, Javier.But a laptop is more practical, Javier.
- JavierSí, pero el escritorio es más potente.Yes, but the desktop is more powerful.
- LucíaTienes razón, Lucía está de acuerdo.You are right, Lucía agrees.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry escritorio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries escritorio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
