usar la computadora
/usaɾ la komputadoɾa/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase 'use the computer' is expressed as usar la computadora.
This phrase is used to describe the act of operating a computer to perform tasks or access information.
Which one should you use?
usar la computadora is the common way to express this in Latin America, whereas usar el ordenador is the standard term used in Spain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Usar la compu is a common informal expression in Latin America. In Spain, the word ordenador is used instead of computadora to refer to a computer, making usar el ordenador the standard regional phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb usar is in the infinitive form to express the concept of 'to use'. The phrase uses the definite article la because computadora is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/usaɾ la komputadoɾa/
Did you know?
- While 'usar' is perfectly correct, many Spanish speakers actually prefer the verb manejar when talking about operating a device, as if they were 'driving' the machine to get a specific result.
- In Spain, the term ordenador comes from the word ordenar, meaning 'to put in order' or 'to organize'.
- While computadora is common in Latin America, the term computador is used in several countries, such as Colombia, to refer to the machine.
Examples in context
- Por favor, utilice el ordenador para acceder a la plataforma educativa.Please use the computer to access the educational platform.
- ¿Qué tal si usamos la compu para jugar un rato?How about we use the computer to play for a while?
- Necesito usar la computadora para mi tarea.I need to use the computer for my homework.
- Él no sabe usar la computadora muy bien.He does not know how to use the computer very well.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are in a home office.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿puedo usar la computadora?Alejandro, can I use the computer?
- AlejandroSí, Elena, ya terminé mi tarea.Yes, Elena, I already finished my homework.
- ElenaGracias, solo quiero revisar mi correo.Thanks, I just want to check my email.
- AlejandroEstá bien, adelante.That's fine, go ahead.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
