puntero del ratón
/punteɾo del ɾaton/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'mouse pointer' is puntero del ratón in Spanish.
This phrase refers to the symbol on a computer screen that moves when the user moves the mouse. In many technical contexts, Spanish speakers simply use el cursor to refer to the mouse pointer. Furthermore, if the subject of the conversation is already established as the mouse, you can simply say el puntero instead of the full phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase puntero del ratón is composed of puntero (pointer) and del ratón (of the mouse).
Which one should you use?
While puntero del ratón is the standard phrase, you may encounter different variations. Indicador del ratón is a formal alternative meaning mouse indicator, while Flechita del ratón is an informal term meaning little mouse arrow.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional preferences vary: in Spain, cursor del ratón is often preferred. In Mexico, Flechita del ratón is widely used. In Argentina, Puntero del mouse is a common alternative.
How do you pronounce it?
/punteɾo del ɾaton/
Did you know?
- The suffix -ón in ratón functions as a diminutive, which is counterintuitive since -ón often acts as an augmentative in Spanish.
- Spanish uses the diminutive flechita ('little arrow') informally to describe the pointer. This reflects a cultural tendency in Spanish to use diminutive forms to make technical terms feel more friendly or less formal.
Examples in context
- Por favor, mueve el cursador hacia la opción deseada.Please move the cursor towards the desired option.
- No puedo ver el puntero del ratón.I cannot see the mouse pointer.
- El puntero del ratón se mueve muy lento.The mouse pointer moves very slowly.
Example conversation
María is helping Mateo use a computer.
- MaríaMateo, haz clic donde está el puntero del ratón.Mateo, click where the mouse pointer is.
- MateoNo lo encuentro, ¿está aquí?I can't find it, is it here?
- MaríaSí, justo ahí, sobre el botón azul.Yes, right there, over the blue button.
- MateoVale, ya lo he hecho.Okay, I've done it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries del, puntero, ratón, CC BY-SA 4.0.
