código QR
/ˌkodiɡo ˌku ˈere/masculine
The English phrase "qr code" is translated into Spanish as código QR.
A código QR refers to a 2-D barcode.
Meaning: 2-D barcode (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Because código is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine indefinite article un when referring to a single QR code, as in un código QR. To make the phrase plural, you pluralize the noun código to códigos but leave the acronym QR unchanged, resulting in los códigos QR.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkodiɡo ˌku ˈere/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly place the acronym before the noun (e.g., QR código), but in Spanish, the noun código must come first.
Did you know?
- The word código is a cognate of the English 'code' and descends from the Latin 'codex', which originally referred to the trunk of a tree.
- When a person asks you to 'scan the code' in a shop, they might use the verb leer, which literally means 'to read'. You might hear someone say lee el código QR instead of 'scan the code'.
- In casual conversation, Spanish speakers often drop the word código and treat the acronym as a noun, saying el QR to refer to the code itself.
Examples in context
- Puedes escanear el código QR para acceder al menú del restauranteYou can scan the QR code to access the restaurant's menu
- Necesito imprimir un código QR para el evento de la compañíaI need to print a QR code for the company's event
- Escanea el código QR para ver el menú.Scan the QR code to see the menu.
- El código QR no funciona en esta página.The QR code does not work on this page.
- Necesito un código QR para pagar la cuenta.I need a QR code to pay the bill.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a restaurant.
- Alejandro¿Dónde está el código QR del menú?Where is the menu's QR code?
- ElenaEstá en la mesa, justo al lado de tu plato.It is on the table, right next to your plate.
- AlejandroYa lo veo, gracias Elena.I see it now, thanks Elena.
- ElenaDe nada, espero que la comida sea buena.You're welcome, I hope the food is good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “qr code” translations and entries código QR, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries código, CC BY-SA 4.0.
