instalar
/instaˈlaɾ/
To install in Spanish is instalar.
The verb instalar means to set something up for use. You can use the expression Instalar un programa to say 'to install a program'. If you are specifically referring to setting up software, you might use Configurar el software (to set up the software) or you can use the phrase Hacer la instalación de to mean 'to carry out the installation of'.
Meaning: set something up for use (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the verb armar is popular when referring to the physical assembly or installation of objects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of the act of installing is instalación. To express the past participle, use instalado, which functions as an adjective or is used to form perfect tenses. For the first-person singular future tense, the form is instalaré (I will install).
How do you pronounce it?
/instaˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, instalarse is often used to describe the act of settling into a new home or hotel room. It focuses on the person making themselves comfortable rather than just setting up equipment.
- The word instalar descends from the Latin īnstallāre, which combined a prefix with a word for 'stall' borrowed from Frankish.
- In Latin America, the word armar is frequently used for physical installation. This term is closely related to the word for 'arming' a weapon.
Examples in context
- ¿Es fácil de instalar?Is it easy to install?This sentence uses instalar to ask about the ease of the installation process.Tatoeba #4989142 by th78952, translation #4500306 by CK
- Quiero instalar paneles solares.I want to install solar panels.This sentence uses instalar to express a desire to set up solar panels.Tatoeba #6628853 by arh, translation #12978113 by araneo
- Intenté instalar un nuevo navegador.I tried to install a new browser.This sentence uses instalar to describe an attempt to set up a new browser.Tatoeba #1611160 by hayastan, translation #1612563 by marcelostockle
- Por favor, necesito instalar el software en mi computadora.Please, I need to install the software on my computer.
- ¿Me ayudas a poner esta aplicación en mi teléfono?Can you help me install this app on my phone?
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are in their living room discussing home improvements.
- SofíaJavier, ¿puedes ayudarme a instalar la lámpara?Javier, can you help me install the lamp?
- JavierClaro, Sofía, yo la instalo ahora mismo.Of course, Sofía, I will install it right now.
- SofíaGracias, es que no sé cómo instalarla.Thanks, it's just that I don't know how to install it.
- JavierNo te preocupes, es muy sencillo.Don't worry, it is very simple.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “install” translations and entries instalar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries instalar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
