flecha desplegable
/flet͡ʃa despleɡable/from spelling rules
The English phrase "drop down arrow" is translated into Spanish as flecha desplegable.
The term refers to a graphical icon in a user interface that opens a list of options when clicked.
Which one should you use?
Flechita hacia abajo describes the appearance of the icon more literally as a "little arrow pointing down".
How do you pronounce it?
/fletʃa despleɡable/
Did you know?
- The verb desplegar used in the phrase is the exact same verb one would use to describe the action of opening a parachute. This highlights how the term for digital menus is rooted in the physical concept of unfolding.
- The word flecha does not descend from Classical Latin, but was instead borrowed from Old French. It traces its lineage back to a Frankish root, a linguistic path quite different from many other Spanish words.
- The use of flechita instead of flecha employs a diminutive that often signals friendliness or a lack of technical formality in Spanish user interfaces.
Examples in context
- Cuando veas la flecha desplegable, haz clic en ella para elegir una opción.When you see the drop down arrow, click on it to choose an option.
- Haz clic en la flecha desplegable.Click on the drop down arrow.
- No veo la flecha desplegable en la pantalla.I don't see the drop down arrow on the screen.
- La flecha desplegable está oculta en el menú.The drop down arrow is hidden in the menu.
Example conversation
Mateo is helping María find a specific setting on a website.
- Mateo¿Ves la flecha desplegable al lado de tu nombre?Do you see the drop down arrow next to your name?
- MaríaSí, ya la encontré, Mateo.Yes, I found it now, Mateo.
- MateoHaz clic ahí para cambiar la configuración.Click there to change the settings.
- MaríaGracias, ya puedo ver todas las opciones.Thanks, I can see all the options now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desplegable, flecha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
