restablecer contraseña
/restableθeɾ kontɾaseɲa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "reset password" is translated into Spanish as restablecer contraseña.
The phrase restablecer contraseña is the standard technical term used in formal software documentation and user interfaces to describe the process of creating a new password when an old one is changed or forgotten.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb restablecer literally means "to re-establish" or "to restore".
Which one should you use?
While restablecer contraseña is the standard technical term, you may encounter the alternative recuperar contraseña (recover password), which is also very common in software interfaces and websites. In some Latin American countries, restaurar contraseña might occasionally be used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear recuperar contraseña instead of restablecer contraseña.
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural Spanish, it is much more common to include the definite article la between the verb and the noun, resulting in restablecer la contraseña (to reset the password).
How do you pronounce it?
/restableθeɾ kontɾaseɲa/
Did you know?
- While restablecer contraseña is the technical term, the word contraseña was originally used as a spoken 'watchword' or 'countersign' to identify allies in wartime.
- The word contraseña is a compound of contra (against) and seña (sign or mark). This suggests that a password was historically a secret sign used to defend against intruders.
- In highly formal or legalistic Spanish contexts, you might see restituir la contraseña, though this sounds much more like returning a physical object than performing a digital action.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ¿cómo puedo restablecer mi contraseña?Please, how can I reset my password?
- Necesito ayuda para restablecer mi contraseña.I need help to reset my password.
- Olvidé mi contraseña, necesito cambiarla.I forgot my password, I need to change it.
Example conversation
Daniel is asking Lucía for help with his computer.
- DanielLucía, no puedo entrar en mi cuenta.Lucía, I can't get into my account.
- LucíaTal vez debas restablecer contraseña, Daniel.Maybe you should reset your password, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Cómo puedo hacer eso?How can I do that?
- LucíaBusca el botón que dice 'olvidé mi clave'.Look for the button that says 'I forgot my password'.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contraseña, restablecer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
