programa
/pɾoˈɡɾama/masculine
The English phrase "program" is translated into Spanish as programa.
The noun programa is polysemous, meaning it can refer to a computer software application or to broadcast media, such as a television or radio show. For example, you might use it to discuss software or to talk about a specific broadcast.
Meaning: software application (noun)
Which one should you use?
While programa is the noun used for the software or show itself, if you want to describe the action of writing code or scheduling, you should use the related verb programar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, programa is commonly used in both formal and informal situations. In Spain, the term app has become a popular informal way to refer to a software application.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
programa is a masculine noun. When referring to a specific program, use the masculine article el to form el programa. The plural form is los programas.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈɡɾama/
Did you know?
- In several Latin American countries, the verb programar is used colloquially to mean 'making plans' or 'arranging a date' with another person.
- If you ask for a programa in a restaurant, a waiter might hand you a printed menu or an event itinerary instead of assuming you mean software.
- The word programa shares its exact Greek ancestor with the English word 'program', meaning both words trace back to the concept of a 'pre-written' thing.
Examples in context
- ¿Sabes programar en C?Can you program in C?This sentence uses the verb related to programa to ask about programming skills.Tatoeba #1669627 by wallebot, translation #1669630 by wallebot
- No miro más ese programa.I don't watch that program anymore.This sentence uses programa to refer to a broadcast one no longer watches.Tatoeba #4613191 by DarkHollow, translation #3826700 by CK
- ¿Quieres ver este programa?Do you want to watch this program?This sentence uses programa to ask if someone wants to watch a show.Tatoeba #1731786 by marcelostockle, translation #57467 by CK
- Estoy desarrollando un programa para mejorar la eficiencia.I am developing a program to improve efficiency.
- Hemos implementado un plan para mejorar la calidad del programa educativo.We have implemented a plan to improve the quality of the educational program.
- El proyecto busca establecer un programa de mentoría en la empresa.The project seeks to establish a mentoring program in the company.
- Voy a instalar un programita en mi computadora.I am going to install a little program on my computer.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are working in a computer lab.
- Alejandro¿Qué programa estás usando, Elena?What program are you using, Elena?
- ElenaUso este programa para las fotos.I use this program for the photos.
- AlejandroEs un programa muy bueno.It is a very good program.
- ElenaSí, me gusta mucho.Yes, I like it a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “program” translations and entries programa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries programa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
