red inalámbrica
/red inalambɾika/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'wireless network' is translated into Spanish as red inalámbrica.
A red inalámbrica refers to a type of computer network that is not connected by cables of any kind. While this is the technically correct term, in many Spanish-speaking regions, people colloquially refer to the wireless network simply as el Wi-Fi.
Meaning: a type of computer network that is not connected by cables of any kind (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term red inalámbrica is composed of red (network) and inalámbrica, which combines the prefix 'in-' (un-) with '-alámbrica' (wired), literally meaning 'unwired network'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, red WiFi is used in more casual conversations.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because red is a feminine noun, the adjective inalámbrica must also be in its feminine form.
How do you pronounce it?
/red inalambɾika/
Did you know?
- The word red shares a common ancestor with the English word 'reticule', a small handbag that originally featured a net-like structure.
- In many Latin American countries, you might hear people say la señal (the signal) to refer to the entire wireless network connection.
- In Spanish, red is used for everything from a 'network' of computers to a 'net' used in tennis or volleyball.
Examples in context
- la red inalámbrica no funcionathe wireless network is not working
- ¿Cuál es la contraseña del WiFi?What is the WiFi password?
- ¿Cuál es la clave de acceso de la red inalámbrica?What is the wireless network access key?
- ¿Puedes conectarte a la red WiFi en mi casa?Can you connect to the WiFi network at my house?
- Necesito conectar mi portátil a la red inalámbrica.I need to connect my laptop to the wireless network.
- La red inalámbrica del hotel es muy lenta.The hotel's wireless network is very slow.
- No encuentro la contraseña de la red inalámbrica.I cannot find the password for the wireless network.
Example conversation
Maria and Javier are in a coffee shop.
- MaríaJavier, ¿hay una red inalámbrica aquí?Javier, is there a wireless network here?
- JavierSí, María, el café tiene una.Yes, Maria, the café has one.
- MaríaNo puedo encontrar la red inalámbrica en mi móvil.I cannot find the wireless network on my phone.
- JavierPrueba a reiniciar tu dispositivo.Try restarting your device.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries red, CC BY-SA 4.0.
