control remoto
/konˌtɾol reˈmoto/Latin America, masculine
The English phrase remote control is translated into Spanish as control remoto. Wiktionary also lists control and mando a distancia.
Meaning: device used to operate an appliance from a short distance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| control remoto | /konˌtɾol reˈmoto/ | Latin America, masculine |
| control | /konˈtɾol/ | masculine |
| mando a distancia | /mando a distanθja/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /mando a distansja/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
Spain, masculine |
| mando | /ˈmando/ | masculine |
| telemando | /teleˈmando/ | masculine |
All these terms refer to a device used to operate an appliance from a short distance.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on the region and the desired level of precision. In Latin America, the most common way to say remote control is control remoto. In Spain, the most common term is mando a distancia. You may also see telemando used, which is a more technical or formal term for the device.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Control remoto is the standard term in Latin America. In Spain, mando a distancia is very common and people also frequently use the phrase mando de la televisión.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the remote control, the noun control is masculine and takes the definite article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/konˌtɾol reˈmoto/
Did you know?
- While control remoto is standard in Latin America, using it in Spain may sound like an Americanism influenced by English.
- The word mando in mando a distancia comes from the verb mandar, which means 'to command' or 'to order'. In this context, the device is literally a 'command at a distance'.
- The term telemando combines the Greek prefix tele- meaning 'far' with the Spanish mando.
Examples in context
- El mando no tiene pilas.The remote control doesn't have batteries.This sentence is useful for describing a situation where the mando is out of batteries.Tatoeba #7038055 by arh, translation #10919291 by Luornu
- Hay un control remoto abajo del sofá.There is a TV remote control under the couch.This sentence shows where a control remoto might be located.Tatoeba #965102 by hayastan, translation #39223 by Swift
- ¿Dónde está el control remoto de la tele?Where's the remote control for the TV?This sentence is a way to ask for the location of a control remoto for a television.Tatoeba #9708731 by arh, translation #39222 by CK
- Por favor, pásame el control remoto.Please pass me the remote control.
- ¿Dónde está el mando a distancia de la televisión?Where is the TV remote control?
- ¿Has visto el mando por aquí?Have you seen the remote control around here?
- ¡No encuentro el mando de la televisión!I can't find the TV remote control!
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are in the living room trying to watch a movie.
- Alejandro¿Tienes el control remoto, Lucía?Do you have the remote control, Lucía?
- LucíaNo, lo dejaste en la cocina.No, you left it in the kitchen.
- AlejandroGracias, voy por él ahora mismo.Thanks, I'll go get it right now.
- Lucía¡No tardes, Alejandro!Don't be long, Alejandro!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “remote control” translations and entries control remoto, control, mando a distancia, mando, telemando, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
