configurar
/konfiɡuˈɾaɾ/
To set up in Spanish is configurar.
The verb configurar is most commonly used in technical contexts, such as setting up software, devices or digital systems.
Meaning: to ready something for use (verb)
Which one should you use?
While configurar means to set up or adjust settings, instalar is used specifically for the act of installing software or hardware onto a system. For the noun form, use configuración to refer to the setup or configuration itself.
How do you pronounce it?
/konfiɡuˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- In a social context, if you are 'setting someone up' on a date, you would use the expression presentar a alguien rather than any form of 'configurar'.
- In some Latin American technical circles, speakers use the slang noun seteo to describe a setup, which is a direct loanword from the English 'set'.
- To set up a trap or a scene, Spanish speakers use armar, a verb that also means 'to arm' or 'to assemble'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, necesito instalar el programa en mi computadora.Please, I need to set up/install the program on my computer.
- Debemos montar la sala de conferencias antes de que lleguen los invitados.We need to set up the conference room before the guests arrive.
- Voy a preparar el escenario para el concierto.I'm going to set up the stage for the concert.
- Mañana vamos a armar el nuevo mueble para la sala.Tomorrow we're going to set up/assemble the new furniture for the living room.
- Configurar el router.Set up the router.
- Necesito configurar el nuevo router.I need to set up the new router.
- ¿Puedes configurar la impresora, por favor?Can you set up the printer, please?
Example conversation
At home, Mateo is helping María with her new computer.
- MaríaMateo, ¿me ayudas a configurar mi portátil?Mateo, can you help me set up my laptop?
- MateoClaro, María. Primero debemos configurar el sistema operativo.Sure, María. First we must set up the operating system.
- MaríaEs más difícil de lo que pensaba.It is harder than I thought.
- MateoNo te preocupes, yo lo configuro rápido.Don't worry, I will set it up quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry configurar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
