en línea
/en ˈlinea/
The English phrase 'online' can be translated into Spanish as en línea or online.
Meaning: connected to the Internet (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| en línea | /en ˈlinea/ | |
| online | onláin | /onˈlain/ /ˌonˈlain/ |
Both terms are used to describe being connected to the Internet or to describe something performed over the Internet.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en línea literally translates to 'in line'.
Which one should you use?
En línea is the standard Spanish translation for the English word, while online is an anglicism used frequently in technical or casual contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
En línea is the standard form, whereas online is an informal loanword commonly used in digital and tech-related speech.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike adjectives in English, the adverbial phrase en línea does not change its form to agree with nouns in gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/en ˈlinea/
Did you know?
- While en línea is used for the internet, Spanish speakers use hacer cola or estar en la fila to describe the physical act of waiting in a line.
- The word línea shares its DNA with the word for 'flax', as both stem from the Latin word for 'thread' or 'linen'.
Examples in context
- Tom toma clases en línea.Tom takes online courses.This sentence shows how to use en línea to describe classes.Tatoeba #1522724 by marcelostockle, translation #1522331 by Spamster
- Él participó en una encuesta en línea.He participated in an online survey.This sentence shows how to use en línea to describe a survey.Tatoeba #2261120 by marcelostockle, translation #1883516 by Amastan
- Los diccionarios en línea son recursos muy útiles.Online dictionaries are very useful resources.This sentence shows how to use en línea to describe dictionaries.Tatoeba #9071494 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9071497 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Por favor, complete el formulario en línea.Please, fill out the form online.
- ¿Puede verificar si el servidor está conectado?Can you check if the server is online?
- ¡Vamos a jugar en línea!Let's play online!
- Voy a buscarlo online y te lo envío.I'll look for it online and send it to you.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is asking Elena about her favorite way to shop.
- AlejandroElena, ¿prefieres comprar ropa en línea?Elena, do you prefer to buy clothes online?
- ElenaSí, es mucho más rápido y fácil.Yes, it is much faster and easier.
- AlejandroYo prefiero ir a la tienda física.I prefer to go to the physical store.
- ElenaEntiendo, pero las ofertas en línea son mejores.I understand, but the online deals are better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “online” translations and entries en línea, online, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, en línea, línea, online, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
