hardware
/ˈxaɾdw̝eɾ/masculine
In Spanish, hardware is translated as hardware. Wiktionary also lists soporte físico and hárdwer.
Meaning: material part of a computer (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hardware | /ˈxaɾdw̝eɾ/ /ˈaɾdweɾ/ |
masculine |
| soporte físico | /sopoɾte fisiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| hárdwer | masculine |
This term refers to the material part of a computer. You may also use dispositivos when referring specifically to hardware such as printers or scanners or componentes when discussing the individual parts that make up the system.
Which one should you use?
The term hardware is used specifically for computing. Do not confuse it with ferretería, which refers to a hardware store or general metal goods.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal or descriptive writing, you can use soporte físico. In professional technological contexts, the word equipo is also a formal way to refer to hardware.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Argentina, the phrases equipo de cómputo and equipo de computación are used to refer to computer hardware.
How does it change in a sentence?
The loanword hardware is a masculine noun and is typically used with the definite article el hardware.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxaɾdw̝eɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, you will hear the word equipo used to mean 'hardware' or 'equipment'. This can be confusing because 'equipo' is also the standard word for a 'team' in sports.
- The word físico in soporte físico shares a root with the English word 'physics' and stems from the Ancient Greek word phúsis, meaning 'nature' or 'origin'.
- Because 'hardware' is an unadapted English loanword, it is often pronounced with a Spanish accent. You might hear it as hárdwer in casual conversation rather than the original English pronunciation.
Examples in context
- Un hardware RAID no es administrado directamente por el sistema operativo sino por una tarjeta especializada, llamada controlador RAID.Hardware RAID is not managed directly by the operating system but by a dedicated card, called a RAID controller.This sentence illustrates the use of hardware in a technical context regarding RAID controllers.Tatoeba #1270912 by marcelostockle, translation #1270286 by sysko
- El cerebro es el hardware y la mente es el software.The brain is the hardware and the mind is the software.This sentence uses hardware in a metaphorical comparison between the brain and the mind.Tatoeba #10485129 by carlosalberto, translation #10485106 by carlosalberto
- El equipo informático necesita una actualizaciónThe computer hardware needs an upgrade.
- Los componentes de hardware del servidor son fundamentales para su funcionamientoThe server's hardware components are essential for its operation.
- Los dispositivos de hardware están conectados al ordenadorThe hardware devices are connected to the computer.
- Ese artilugio es un dispositivo de hardware muy útilThat gadget is a very useful hardware device.
- La empresa necesita adquirir nuevo equipo de hardware.The company needs to acquire new hardware equipment.
- Los componentes de hardware deben ser compatibles entre sí.The hardware components must be compatible with each other.
- El departamento de TI se encarga de mantener el equipo informático.The IT department is responsible for maintaining the computer hardware.
- ¡Mi máquina se ha bloqueado! ¿Podrías revisar el hardware?My computer has crashed! Could you check the hardware?
- Es impresionante el artilugio de hardware que acaban de lanzar al mercado.The hardware gadget they just released in the market is amazing.
- El hardware de este ordenador es muy antiguo.The hardware of this computer is very old.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing a computer problem at home.
- María¿Crees que el problema es el software?Do you think the problem is the software?
- DanielNo, creo que es un fallo del hardware.No, I think it is a hardware failure.
- MaríaEntonces Daniel, ¿podrás arreglarlo tú?Then Daniel, will you be able to fix it?
- DanielSí, lo intentaré mañana.Yes, I will try tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hardware” translations and entries hardware, soporte físico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries físico, hardware, soporte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
