el mando
/el mando/from spelling rules
el mando is the Spanish phrase for a device used to control a television or other electronic equipment from a distance.
el mando refers to a remote control. To specify which device you are controlling, you can use the preposition de followed by the device, such as el mando de la televisión (the TV remote).
What does it mean word for word?
The word mando comes from the verb mandar, which means to command or to order.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you will commonly hear the full phrase el mando a distancia to specify a remote control. In most of Latin America, the phrase el control remoto is used instead of el mando. Additionally, in certain parts of South America, el zapper is occasionally used to refer to a remote control.
How do you pronounce it?
/el mando/
What mistakes should you avoid?
In Latin America, it is more common to use el control remoto or the informal el remoto.
Did you know?
- Because mando comes from the verb mandar, it shares a linguistic history with the English word 'mandate'. Both trace back to the idea of being given an order or an authority to act.
- While el mando means 'remote control' in a living room, it is also the standard term for a 'game controller' used for consoles like the PlayStation or Xbox.
- If you use the word mando in a professional context in Spain, you might not be talking about electronics at all. It can also refer to 'the command' or 'the leadership' of a military unit or a company.
Examples in context
- No encuentro el mando por ningún lado.I can't find the remote anywhere.
- ¿Puedes pasarme el mando, por favor?Can you pass me the remote, please?
- El mando no tiene pilas.The remote has no batteries.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are sitting on the sofa in their living room.
- Alejandro¿Dónde está el mando de la tele?Where is the TV remote?
- LucíaEstá sobre la mesa de centro.It is on the coffee table.
- AlejandroGracias, Lucía.Thanks, Lucía.
- LucíaDe nada, Alejandro.You're welcome, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, mando, CC BY-SA 4.0.
