Spanish is spoken in many countries. Each of them may have a different accent or different vocabulary words, but they would all understand each other perfectly. In this article, we are going to show you eight Spanish words borrowed from English that are used in Mexico.
In Spain, these words are said differently. They refer to the same object, but each country has their own term. However, these differences do not prevent Spanish-speaking people living in different regions from communicating smoothly with each other.
Spanish Words Borrowed from English
Generally speaking, English words adopted into Spanish are more common in Mexican Spanish. Let’s look at some of the Spanish words borrowed from English that are used in Mexico and their equivalents used in Spain. This will help you understand Spanish around the world.
La computadora (Computer)
There are many Spanish words borrowed from English related to technology. For example, in Mexico, they say
Mi madre trabaja con la computadora. (MX)
Mi madre trabaja con el ordenador. (ES)
My mother words with the computer.
Todas las computadoras están conectadas a la red. (MX)
Todos los ordenadores están conectados a la red. (ES)
All computers are linked to the network.
El laptop (Laptop)
In Mexico, they use the word
Necesito comprar un laptop nuevo. (MX)
Necesito comprar un portátil nuevo. (ES)
I need to buy a new laptop.
No sé por qué mi laptop no funciona bien. (MX)
No sé por qué mi portátil no funciona bien. (ES)
I don’t know why my laptop doesn’t work well.
El mouse (Mouse)
In Mexico, the English word
¿Tienes pilas para mi mouse? (MX)
¿Tienes pilas para mi ratón? (ES)
Do you have any batteries for my mouse?
Esta computadora no necesita cable para el mouse. (MX)
Este ordenador no necesita cable para el ratón. (ES)
This computer does not need any wire for the mouse.
El overol (Overalls)
The word
Los mecánicos llevan puesto un overol. (MX)
Los mecánicos llevan puesto un mono de trabajo. (ES)
The mechanics are wearing overalls.
Se pusieron un overol para pintar el dormitorio. (MX)
Se pusieron un mono para pintar el dormitorio. (ES)
They put on some overalls to paint the bedroom.
El carro (Car)
The Spanish word
Me gusta este carro rojo. (MX)
Me gusta este coche rojo. (ES)
I like this red car.
¿Puedes abrir la puerta del carro? (MX)
¿Puedes abrir la puerta del coche? (ES)
Can you open the car door?
El celular (Cell phone)
Let’s continue reviewing popular Spanish words borrowed from English. In Mexico, a cell phone or mobile phone is called
Juan busca su celular para hacer una llamada. (MX)
Juan busca su móvil para hacer una llamada. (ES)
Juan looks for his cell phone to make a phone call.
No encuentro mi celular. ¿Lo has visto? (MX)
No encuentro mi móvil. ¿Lo has visto? (MX)
I don’t find my cell phone. Have you seen it?
El elevador (Elevator)
In Mexico,
Laura habla con los vecinos dentro del elevador. (MX)
Laura habla con los vecinos dentro del ascensor. (ES)
Laura talks with the neighbors in the elevator.
El elevador está estropeado. Hay que llamar al técnico. (MX)
El ascensor está estropeado. Hay que llamar al técnico. (ES)
The elevator is faulty. We have to call the technician.
El switch (Switch)
A switch is a device which you use to control the electrical supply to any equipment. In Mexico, they use the English same term
El switch está al lado de la puerta de la cocina. (MX)
El interruptor está al lado de la puerta de la cocina. (ES)
The switch is next to the kitchen door.
Este switch no apaga las luces del jardín. (MX)
Este interruptor no apaga las luces del jardín. (ES)
This switch does not turn off the garden lights.
Summary
Here you have the list of the Spanish words borrowed from English we have covered in this article with their equivalent word that is used in Spain.
| Mexico | Spain | |
| computer | la computadora | el ordenador |
| laptop | el laptop | el portátil |
| mouse (computer) | el mouse | el ratón |
| overalls | el overol | el mono de trabajo |
| car | el carro | el coche |
| cell phone | el celular | el móvil |
| elevator | el elevador | el ascensor |
| switch (electrical) | el switch | el interruptor |
Exercises
You can practice these Spanish words borrowed from English with the exercises.