actualización
/aɡtwaliθaˈθjon/
The Spanish word for update is actualización.
The term refers to the act of making something up to date or current. While actualización is the noun used to name an update, you should use the verb actualizar when you want to say the action of updating something.
Meaning: to make something up to date (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun actualización is derived from the verb actualizar, which comes from actual (meaning current or present) and the suffix -ización (denoting the process of making). Literally, it means making current.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase puesta al día is used to mean bringing something up to date.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/aɡtwaliθaˈθjon/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse actualización with the English concept of 'actualization' (the process of making something real). In Spanish, actualización specifically refers to bringing something up to a current status.
Did you know?
- The word actual in Spanish describes something happening now, whereas the English word 'actual' describes something that is true or real.
- In legal or administrative contexts, actualización often refers specifically to adjusting a price or salary to account for inflation.
- In some Latin American countries, the term actualizar can be used colloquially to mean 'refreshing' one's memory or knowledge of a subject.
Examples in context
- El computador dejó de funcionar después de una actualización automática del sistema.The computer stopped working after an automatic system update.This sentence shows how to use actualización when discussing a system update.Tatoeba #4375138 by umano, translation #4435486 by LB
- La nueva actualización viene pronto.The new update is coming soon.This sentence illustrates the use of actualización regarding a forthcoming update.Tatoeba #13417703 by mexicanhere, translation #11628230 by Amastan
- ¿No te llegó la actualización de Homo Sapiens?Didn't you get the Homo Sapiens update?This sentence uses actualización in the context of receiving a specific update.Tatoeba #11202781 by DJ_Saidez, translation #11203008 by DJ_Saidez
- El informe trimestral incluye una actualización de los avances del proyecto.The quarterly report includes an update on the project's progress.
- Por favor, proporcióneme la información actualizada sobre el mercado.Please provide me with the updated information on the market.
- ¡Cuéntame las novedades!Tell me the updates/news!
- ¿Qué hay de lo último en el mundo de la tecnología?What's the latest in the world of technology?
- Necesito una puesta al día de los avances del proyecto.I need an update on the project's progress.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about their phones.
- JavierLucía, ¿ya instalaste la última actualización?Lucía, did you install the latest update already?
- LucíaNo, Javier. Mi teléfono está muy lento.No, Javier. My phone is very slow.
- JavierNecesitas hacer la actualización ahora mismo.You need to do the update right now.
- LucíaTienes razón, voy a descargarla ahora.You're right, I'm going to download it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry actualización, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
