GPS
/ˌxe ˌpe ˈese/masculine
The English phrase 'gps' is translated into Spanish as GPS.
GPS refers to the Global Positioning System. In Spanish, it is used both to refer to the global satellite system itself and to the specific handheld or vehicle-mounted device.
Meaning: Global Positioning System (noun)
Which one should you use?
While GPS is the standard acronym, you may encounter the formal terms Sistema de Posicionamiento Global or Navegador Satelital in official or technical contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, GPS is the most widely used term for both formal and informal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The acronym GPS is a masculine noun and is typically preceded by the masculine article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌxe ˌpe ˈese/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the word navegador can refer to both a GPS device and a web browser, potentially causing confusion in technical conversations.
- In casual conversation, people often refer to the act of using a GPS as poner el GPS, which literally means 'putting the GPS'.
- In Spanish, the gender of GPS is masculine because it refers to el sistema, the masculine word for 'system'.
Examples in context
- Mi GPS funciona muy bien.My GPS works very well.This sentence shows how to say that your GPS is working well.Tatoeba #1667379 by marcelostockle, translation #1454078 by LittleBoy
- Actualmente el GPS se usa en el mundo entero.Currently, GPS is used throughout the world.This sentence illustrates the global use of GPS.Tatoeba #1116703 by hayastan, translation #11450851 by Serveto
- El GPS permite encontrarte mediante satélites.GPS allows you to determine your location using satellites.This sentence explains how GPS uses satellites to find locations.Tatoeba #2162533 by wallebot, translation #2535070 by jgauthier
- El Sistema de Posicionamiento Global es una tecnología muy útil para navegar en carreteras desconocidas.The Global Positioning System is a very useful technology for navigating unknown roads.
- ¿Podrías pasarme las coordenadas del GPS para llegar al restaurante?Could you give me the GPS coordinates to get to the restaurant?
- No te preocupes, mi coche tiene un Sistema GPS incorporado, nos guiará sin problemas.Don't worry, my car has a built-in GPS System, it will guide us without problems.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are in a car trying to find a restaurant.
- AlejandroNo encuentro la dirección con el GPS.I can't find the address with the GPS.
- LucíaPrueba a reiniciar el GPS, Alejandro.Try restarting the GPS, Alejandro.
- AlejandroYa lo hice, pero el GPS no carga.I already did, but the GPS isn't loading.
- LucíaEntonces busquemos el camino en un mapa.Then let's look for the way on a map.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gps” translations and entries GPS, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
