escribir en la computadora
/eskɾibiɾ en la komputadoɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'typing on a computer' is translated into Spanish as escribir en la computadora.
This phrase describes the act of using a keyboard to enter text into a computer. While English makes a specific distinction between 'writing' by hand and 'typing' on a keyboard, Spanish often uses the general verb 'escribir' to cover both actions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally translated as 'to write on the computer' because the verb escribir (to write) is used for both handwriting and typing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In most Latin American countries, it is common to say teclear en la computadora. However, in Spain, the preferred way to say this is escribir en el ordenador, as speakers in Spain typically use el ordenador instead of la computadora for the word computer.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskɾibiɾ en la komputadoɾa/
Did you know?
- The word escribir shares its DNA with the English word 'scribe' and the Latin 'scrībere', meaning to scratch or mark. Even though you are typing on a modern machine, you are linguistically performing the same ancient action of marking a surface.
- In Spain, the word ordenador is used instead of computadora. This term comes from the idea of a machine that puts things in order, whereas computadora focuses on the machine's ability to compute numbers.
- In some professional contexts, a Spanish speaker might use the phrase mecanografiar to describe typing. This specific term refers to the skill of using a typewriter and is considered much more formal than escribir.
Examples in context
- Estoy escribiendo en la computadora.I am typing on the computer.
- Ella prefiere escribir en la computadora.She prefers typing on the computer.
- Tengo que escribir en la computadora para el trabajo.I have to type on the computer for work.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing their homework in the library.
- JavierElena, ¿prefieres escribir a mano o escribir en la computadora?Elena, do you prefer writing by hand or typing on the computer?
- ElenaPrefiero escribir en la computadora porque es más rápido.I prefer typing on the computer because it is faster.
- JavierTienes razón, yo también lo prefiero.You are right, I prefer it too.
- ElenaEntonces, empecemos con el trabajo ahora.Then, let's start the work now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries computadora, en, escribir, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
