aplicación móvil
/aplikaθjon mobil/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for phone app is aplicación móvil.
The term refers to a software program designed to run on a smartphone.
Which one should you use?
While aplicación is the full word for application, in technological contexts, it is often shortened to app in casual conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
aplicación móvil is a feminine noun phrase, which means any accompanying adjectives must also be feminine.
Did you know?
- The word móvil shares a Latin root with the Spanish word mueble, which means 'furniture'. Both words derive from the Latin 'mobilis', referring to things that can be moved.
- While aplicación móvil is the standard term, users in Spain often refer to their phones simply as el móvil, whereas in Latin America they use el celular.
- In casual Spanish, app is treated as a feminine noun because it is a shorthand for aplicación. This means speakers say la app even though the word is borrowed from English.
Examples in context
- Descargué una aplicación móvil nueva.I downloaded a new mobile app.
- Esta aplicación móvil es muy útil.This phone app is very useful.
- ¿Tienes una aplicación móvil para aprender idiomas?Do you have a phone app to learn languages?
- Descargué una nueva aplicación móvil ayer.I downloaded a new phone app yesterday.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about their phones.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿qué aplicación móvil usas para el banco?Alejandro, what phone app do you use for the bank?
- AlejandroUso la aplicación móvil oficial del banco.I use the bank's official phone app.
- María¿Es fácil de usar?Is it easy to use?
- AlejandroSí, es muy rápida y segura.Yes, it is very fast and secure.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aplicación, móvil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
