actualizar teléfono
/aɡtwaliθaɾ telefono/from spelling rules
To update phone in Spanish is actualizar teléfono.
This phrase refers to the process of installing a newer version of the software or operating system on a mobile device. If you are searching through a device's settings menu for this specific feature, you should look for the noun phrase actualización de software, which means 'software update'.
Which one should you use?
While actualizar teléfono is the default form, different words for 'mobile phone' are used depending on the region or context. In Spain, speakers frequently use móvil instead of teléfono, resulting in actualizar el móvil. In most of Latin America, celular is the standard term, making actualizar el celular the most common way to express this.
Is it said differently in some regions?
As noted, in Spain it is much more common to say actualizar el móvil, whereas in most of Latin America, actualizar el celular is the standard.
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural Spanish speech, you almost always include the definite article el between the verb and the noun. Therefore, you would typically say actualizar el teléfono rather than just actualizar teléfono.
Did you know?
- The word actualizar comes from the root actual, which in Spanish means 'current' or 'present'. In English, 'actual' usually means 'real' or 'factual'.
- The verb actualizar is a cognate of the English word 'actualize', although in Spanish it is the standard term for a digital software update.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿podría ayudarme a actualizar mi teléfono, por favor?Excuse me, could you help me update my phone, please?
- Me gustaría que realizaran una actualización del teléfono.I would like you to perform a phone update.
- Oye, necesito actualizar mi teléfono. ¿Me puedes ayudar?Hey, I need to update my phone. Can you help me?
- Voy a poner al día mi móvil para tener las últimas funciones.I'm going to update my phone to have the latest features.
- Necesito actualizar mi teléfono Android/iPhone.I need to update my Android/iPhone.
- ¿Hay alguna actualización disponible para mi teléfono?Is there an update available for my phone?
- Estoy experimentando problemas con mi teléfono. ¿Será que necesita una actualización?I'm experiencing issues with my phone. Could it need an update?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new app update.
- MaríaMi teléfono va muy lento.My phone is running very slow.
- DanielDebes actualizar teléfono ahora.You should update your phone now.
- MaríaNo tengo espacio para actualizar teléfono.I don't have space to update my phone.
- DanielBorra algunas fotos primero, María.Delete some photos first, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries actualizar, teléfono, CC BY-SA 4.0.
