dual
/ˈdwal/
The Spanish word for dual is dual.
The adjective dual is used to mean double.
Meaning: double (adj)
Which one should you use?
While dual can mean double, the word doble is much more common in everyday Spanish to describe something that is twice as large or has two parts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective dual is invariable in gender, meaning it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The plural form of dual is duales.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdwal/
Did you know?
- The word dual shares the same Latin root as the English word 'duel', referring to a contest or struggle between two parties.
- While dual refers to two parts, Spanish uses the word doble to describe a 'double' espresso or a 'double' in a movie, where dual would sound completely wrong.
- The adjective dual is much rarer in spoken Spanish than the English word 'dual' is in English, as it is often relegated to scientific or highly formal registers.
Examples in context
- El nuevo sistema cuenta con una función de doble seguridad.The new system features a dual security function.
- Quiero comprarme un teléfono móvil que tenga una cámara doble.I want to buy a mobile phone with a dual camera.
- Necesito un cargador dual para poder cargar ambos dispositivos al mismo tiempo.I need a dual charger to be able to charge both devices at the same time.
- Este televisor tiene un sistema de doble sonido para crear una experiencia inmersiva.This TV has a dual sound system to create an immersive experience.
- Mi hermano está estudiando una carrera dual: economía y derecho.My brother is studying a dual degree: economics and law.
- Nuestra escuela ofrece programas de educación dual para combinar teoría y práctica.Our school offers dual education programs to combine theory and practice.
- Este automóvil cuenta con un sistema de frenos doble para mayor seguridad.This car features a dual braking system for enhanced safety.
- El nuevo celular cuenta con una cámara dual y una gran capacidad de almacenamiento.The new cell phone has a dual camera and a large storage capacity.
- El sistema tiene un propósito dual.The system has a dual purpose.
- Es un desafío de carácter dual.It is a challenge of a dual nature.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking about a new electronic device.
- SofíaMira, este dispositivo tiene carga dual.Look, this device has dual charging.
- MateoEso es genial, Mateo lo necesita.That is great, Mateo needs it.
- Sofía¿Crees que sea muy caro?Do you think it's very expensive?
- MateoNo, el precio es razonable.No, the price is reasonable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dual” translations and entries dual, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dual, CC BY-SA 4.0.
