Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| programa de televisión | /pɾoˌɡɾama de telebiˈsjon/ | masculine |
| show televisivo / televisual | masculine |
This phrase refers to a live or recorded TV broadcast or program. When referring specifically to a scripted drama or comedy with episodic continuity, it is more common to use the word serie. If you are discussing a specific part of a show, you can use the words capítulo or episodio to mean "chapter" or "episode".
Which one should you use?
While programa de televisión is the most common and natural way to refer to a TV show in most Spanish-speaking contexts, show televisivo / televisual is also a valid translation. Show televisivo / televisual is generally more formal or technical and is less common in everyday speech than programa de televisión.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, the terms telenovela or novela are used specifically to refer to soap operas.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, only the word programa changes to programas. The phrase de televisión remains singular (e.g., programas de televisión).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˌɡɾama de telebiˈsjon/
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'show' as a versatile noun, Spanish speakers often use the English loanword show only to refer to live musical or variety performances rather than a scripted story.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the telenovela is a distinct genre from a serie because it is designed to have a definitive ending rather than multiple seasons.
- Even though televisión is a standard Spanish word, it is actually a linguistic 'calque' or a direct imitation of the French word télévision.
Examples in context
- La serie de televisión que vi anoche fue muy interesante.The television show I watched last night was very interesting.
- Hoy, nuestro programa de televisión discutirá temas de actualidad.Today, our television show will discuss current affairs.
- Anoche vi una serie increíble en la tele.Last night, I watched an incredible TV show.
- Me encanta ese programa de entretenimiento.I love that entertainment show.
- Me encanta esa serie de televisión cómica.I love that comedy TV show.
- Odio ese programa de televisión aburrido.I hate that boring TV show.
- ¿Viste el último capítulo de esa serie de televisión?Did you watch the latest episode of that TV show?
- Te recomiendo esta serie de televisión, ¡es genial!I recommend this TV show, it's awesome!
- Ese programa de televisión es muy divertido.That television show is very funny.
- ¿Cuál es tu programa de televisión favorito?What is your favorite television show?
- No me gusta este programa de televisión.I do not like this television show.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are talking about their hobbies.
- MateoSofía, ¿ves algún programa de televisión?Sofía, do you watch any television show?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, veo un programa de cocina.Yes, Mateo, I watch a cooking show.
- MateoEse programa de televisión parece divertido.That television show seems fun.
- SofíaEs muy interesante y aprendo mucho.It is very interesting and I learn a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “television show” translations and entries programa de televisión, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, programa, show, televisión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
