Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mando a distancia | /mando a distanθja/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /mando a distansja/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
Spain, masculine |
| control remoto | /konˌtɾol reˈmoto/ | masculine |
| control | /konˈtɾol/ | masculine |
| mando | /ˈmando/ | Spain, masculine |
When referring to the device used to operate electronics from a distance, you should use a noun phrase. While the adjective remoto can mean 'at a distance' or 'distant and inaccessible', it cannot be used as a noun to refer to the device itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mando a distancia literally translates to 'command at a distance'.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context and region, you may see different forms. In Spain, mando is frequently used as a shorthand for mando a distancia. In other contexts, control remoto is the standard way to describe the device.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, mando a distancia is the standard term for a remote control and teletrabajo is commonly used to mean 'remote work'. In Spain, a remote place is called a lugar apartado. In Latin America, control remoto is the standard term for the device and en forma remota is a common way to say 'remotely'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms provided, including control remoto, mando a distancia, control and mando, are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/mando a distanθja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the adjective remoto as a noun to mean 'the remote'. Instead, use a noun such as mando or control.
When do people say it?
To describe a very faraway or remote location in a colorful and humorous, informal way, you can use the expression A la Conchinchina.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word control traces its history back to the Medieval Latin contrarotula, which referred to a duplicate roll or register.
- The word mando functions as a noun for the device, but it is derived from the verb mandar, which means to order or command.
- While control remoto is common in Latin America, using it in a casual setting in Spain can make you sound like you are reading a technical manual.
Examples in context
- El mando no tiene pilas.The remote control doesn't have batteries.This sentence is useful for mentioning that the mando lacks batteries.Tatoeba #7038055 by arh, translation #10919291 by Luornu
- Pásame el mando a distancia.Hand me the remote.This sentence is useful for asking someone to hand you the mando a distancia.Tatoeba #2697601 by Shishir, translation #1522624 by erikspen
- ¿Has visto el control remoto?Have you seen the remote?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has seen the control remoto.Tatoeba #8022625 by Seael, translation #10127466 by DJ_Saidez
- Trabajar a distanciaTo work remotely
- Control remotoRemote control
- Lugar remotoRemote location
- Área lejanaRemote area
- Tener el control remotoTo have the remote control
- Un lugar remotoA remote place
- Una playa a la conchinchinaA beach in the middle of nowhere
- Trabajar a distancia me permite tener horarios más flexibles.Working remotely allows me to have more flexible hours.
- No encuentro el control remoto del televisor.I can't find the TV remote control.
- Me encanta explorar lugares remotos y desconectar del mundo.I love exploring remote places and disconnecting from the world.
- Vivo en un pueblo apartado de la ciudad.I live in a remote town far from the city.
- Recuerda que, en muchos ámbitos, un lugar remoto puede ser sinónimo de calmante para el espírituRemember that, in many aspects, a remote place can be synonymous with a soothing experience for the soul
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are in the living room watching television.
- LucíaJavier, ¿tienes el mando a distancia?Javier, do you have the remote control?
- JavierNo, no lo veo por ninguna parte.No, I don't see it anywhere.
- LucíaMira debajo del sofá, por favor.Look under the sofa, please.
- Javier¡Aquí está! Estaba debajo del cojín.Here it is! It was under the cushion.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “remote” translations and entries mando a distancia, control remoto, control, mando, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, control, distancia, mando, remoto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
