tecla almohadilla
/tekla almoadiʝa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hash key" is translated into Spanish as tecla almohadilla.
This phrase is used to refer to the physical button on a keyboard that produces the hash or pound symbol.
What does it mean word for word?
The word almohadilla literally means "little pillow", which is the name used for the hash symbol in Spanish.
Which one should you use?
Use tecla almohadilla when you are talking about the physical key on a keyboard. If you are referring specifically to the symbol itself rather than the button, you should use el signo de almohadilla.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, almohadilla is the standard term for the hash or pound symbol.
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, the symbol is called gato because the grid shape resembles the game of Tic-Tac-Toe, which is known as el gato in those regions.
- The term almohadilla has its roots in the Arabic word al-miḵadda, meaning 'pillow'.
- The word almohadilla is used not only for the hash key but also for the soft pads on the paws of animals.
Examples in context
- Para confirmar, presiona el símbolo de numeral en tu teclado.To confirm, press the hash symbol on your keyboard.
- Busca la tecla almohadilla en tu teclado.Look for the hash key on your keyboard.
- ¿Dónde está la tecla almohadilla?Where is the hash key?
- Pulsa la tecla almohadilla para continuar.Press the hash key to continue.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are setting up a new computer.
- MateoElena, ¿ves la tecla almohadilla?Elena, do you see the hash key?
- ElenaSí, la veo ahora mismo.Yes, I see it right now.
- MateoPerfecto, pulsa esa tecla por favor.Perfect, press that key please.
- ElenaYa lo he hecho, Mateo.I have already done it, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries almohadilla, tecla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
