Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| panel | /paˈnel/ | masculine |
| tertulia | /teɾˈtulja/ | feminine |
The word panel is used to describe a formal group of experts, a jury or a technical discussion group. You can use it in specific technical terms, such as el panel de control for a control panel. For example, a panel of experts might be described as el panel de expertos.
Which one should you use?
While panel is used for formal groups of experts, tertulia refers to a more informal, social gathering of people who meet regularly to discuss various topics.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Colombia, you may use el foro to refer to a discussion panel or a forum of experts. In Spain, the term el coloquio is often used to describe a panel discussion or a colloquium.
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈnel/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using panel to describe a casual social circle or a group of friends chatting, as this implies a formal and structured setting.
Did you know?
- While tertulia describes a social gathering today, it historically served as a vital space for exiled intellectuals and political dissidents to share ideas without official oversight.
- The word panel in Spanish has a dual history, having been borrowed from both Old French and English.
- In Spain, the tradition of the tertulia is so ingrained that many radio stations have a daily segment called a tertulia where pundits debate the news of the day.
Examples in context
- El panel solar capta energía solar.The solar panel captures solar energy.This sentence shows the use of panel in a technical solar energy context.Tatoeba #6628862 by arh, translation #12275869 by mollydot
- Un panel solar sólo funciona por el día.A solar panel only works in the daytime.Tatoeba #6632934 by arh, translation #8292491 by lunchmeat317
- Si no hay bastante luz, el panel no funciona.If there's not enough light, the panel doesn't work.Tatoeba #6637114 by arh, translation #8169999 by magnificentgoddess
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a job interview process.
- DanielMañana tengo una entrevista con el panel.Tomorrow I have an interview with the panel.
- María¿Cuántas personas forman el panel, Daniel?How many people make up the panel, Daniel?
- DanielEl panel tiene a tres directivos.The panel consists of three directors.
- MaríaSeguro que el panel será amable contigo.I'm sure the panel will be kind to you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “panel” translations and entries panel, tertulia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries panel, tertulia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
