The Spanish word for computer is "computadora"
In most Spanish-speaking countries, the word computadora is the standard term for a computer. It is pronounced "kohm-poo-tah-DOH-rah" with the stress on the second-to-last syllable. This is the spelling you will see in textbooks, official documents, and everyday conversation across Latin America, Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean.
However, Spain uses a different word entirely. In Spain, people say ordenador instead of computadora. Both words are correct Spanish — they straightforward reflect regional differences, much like how English speakers in the US say "elevator" while British English speakers say "lift." Understanding which term to use depends on your audience and the region you are writing for or communicating with.
Key Takeaways
- The word computadora is used in Mexico, Central America, South America, and most Caribbean countries.
- The word ordenador is the standard term in Spain.
- Both spellings are correct Spanish; the choice depends on which region you are writing for or speaking with.
- If you are unsure which version to use, computadora is understood across a wider geographic area.
- Related words like "laptop" (la laptop) and "mouse" (el ratón or el mouse) also vary slightly by region.
Why two different words exist
The word computadora comes directly from the English word "computer" and was adopted into Spanish in Latin America during the technology boom of the 1980s and 1990s. Spain, however, had already created its own word — ordenador — which comes from the verb "ordenar" (to organize or arrange). Because Spain developed its computing vocabulary independently before widespread English adoption, the two regions ended up with different standard terms that remain in use today.
This is not unusual in Spanish. Many technology words differ by region because different countries adopted English terms at different times or created their own translations. The important thing to know is that a Spanish speaker from Mexico will understand "ordenador," and a Spanish speaker from Spain will understand "computadora" — they straightforward would not use that word themselves in everyday speech. Regional vocabulary differences like this are common across all major languages and reflect how different communities developed their own solutions to naming new technology.
How to use computadora in a sentence
The word computadora is feminine in Spanish, so it takes the article la (the) rather than el. Here are some common phrases you might encounter or use:
- La computadora está rota. (The computer is broken.)
- Necesito una computadora nueva. (I need a new computer.)
- ¿Dónde está mi computadora? (Where is my computer?)
- Trabajo en la computadora todo el día. (I work on the computer all day.)
When you are writing in Spanish for a general audience or for a school assignment, using computadora is the safer choice because it is understood across the largest number of Spanish-speaking regions. The feminine gender is consistent across all Spanish-speaking areas that use this word, so you will not encounter regional variation in how you use it grammatically.
Related computer terms in Spanish
Once you know the word for computer, you may need other technology vocabulary. Here are words you will encounter frequently:
| English | Spanish (Latin America) | Spanish (Spain) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Computadora | Ordenador |
| Laptop | Laptop / Computadora portátil | Portátil / Ordenador portátil |
| Mouse | Ratón / Mouse | Ratón |
| Keyboard | Teclado | Teclado |
| Screen | Pantalla | Pantalla |
| Hard drive | Disco duro | Disco duro |
Notice that some words like teclado (keyboard) and disco duro (hard drive) are the same across all Spanish-speaking regions. Others, like mouse, are sometimes left in English or given a Spanish translation depending on the speaker's preference and age. Younger Spanish speakers are more likely to use the English word "mouse" directly, while older speakers may prefer the Spanish term "ratón" (which literally means "rat").
When to use each spelling
If you are writing for a school project, business document, or any formal purpose, check whether your assignment specifies a region. If it does not, computadora is the better choice because it covers more ground geographically. If you are communicating with someone from Spain specifically, use ordenador. If you are unsure, you can always use both terms the first time you mention it — for example, "la computadora (u ordenador)" — to show you understand the regional difference.
In casual conversation or informal writing, either term will be understood by educated Spanish speakers, even if it is not the one they would use themselves. The key is consistency: pick one spelling and stick with it throughout your writing. This approach shows respect for regional language differences while maintaining clarity for your reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is computadora spelled with one or two m's?
It is spelled with one m: computadora. The double m does not appear in Spanish. The word comes from English "computer," but Spanish spelling rules change how it appears in the language.
Can I use "computadora" in Spain?
Yes, Spanish speakers in Spain will understand computadora, but they will not use it themselves. In Spain, ordenador is the standard word. If you are writing for a Spanish audience, use the regional term they expect.
Is "computadora" masculine or feminine?
The word computadora is feminine, so you use la computadora (the computer) and una computadora (a computer). The word ordenador in Spain is masculine, so Spanish speakers say el ordenador.
What about the word "ordenador" — is it used anywhere outside Spain?
Occasionally you will see ordenador in older Latin American texts or in formal documents influenced by Spanish standards, but computadora is the dominant term in the Americas. For practical purposes, treat ordenador as the Spain-specific word.
Should I capitalize "computadora" in the middle of a sentence?
No. Like most Spanish nouns, computadora is lowercase unless it starts a sentence or is part of a proper noun (like a company name). Write "Tengo una computadora nueva" (I have a new computer), not "Tengo una Computadora nueva."