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informática

B1 noun #3,500 most common 10 min read

informática

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips informática in 30 Seconds

Explanation informática in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'informática' as the word for 'computer class' or 'computers' in general. You will likely see it on school schedules or in stores. You don't need to know the deep science, just that it's a feminine noun (la informática) and it relates to computers. You might say 'Tengo clase de informática' (I have computer class) or 'Me gusta la informática' (I like computers/IT). It's important to remember the accent on the 'á' so you pronounce it correctly from the start: in-for-MÁ-ti-ca. At this stage, think of it as a label for the 'tech stuff' you do at school or work. You should also know 'el informático' is the person who fixes your computer. This level is about basic identification and simple preferences involving technology.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'informática' in more descriptive ways. You can talk about your skills or what you are studying. You might say 'Estoy haciendo un curso de informática' (I am doing a computer course) or 'Necesito ayuda con la informática' (I need help with IT). You should start noticing how it combines with other words, like 'aula de informática' (computer lab). You are also expected to distinguish between the science 'la informática' and the person 'el informático'. You might describe someone's job: 'Mi hermano es informático' (My brother is a computer scientist/IT guy). You should also be able to use basic adjectives with it, like 'informática básica' or 'informática avanzada'. This level focuses on using the word to describe daily activities and personal professional backgrounds in a simple manner.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'informática' in a variety of professional and academic contexts. You understand that it translates to 'Computer Science' or 'Information Technology' depending on the situation. You can discuss the importance of technology in society: 'La informática es esencial para la economía moderna'. You should also be familiar with the adjective 'informático/a' and how it agrees with nouns, such as 'seguridad informática' (IT security) or 'un error informático' (a computer error). You can explain your work experience or educational background more clearly using this term. You might participate in a discussion about how 'la informática' has changed the way we live. At this level, you are moving beyond simple labels and using the word to express opinions and more complex ideas about technology.

At the B2 level, you use 'informática' with precision and can differentiate it from related terms like 'ofimática', 'telemática', or 'sistemas'. You can follow technical news or reports that use 'informática' in the context of 'delitos informáticos' (cybercrimes) or 'avances informáticos' (technological breakthroughs). You are expected to use the word in more formal writing, such as a CV or a formal letter, correctly identifying your 'competencias informáticas'. You can debate the ethical implications of 'la informática' in privacy and surveillance. Your vocabulary should include compound terms like 'soporte informático' and 'herramientas informáticas'. You understand the cultural nuances, such as the preference for 'informática' in Spain versus 'computación' in parts of Latin America, and can adapt your language accordingly. This level requires a high degree of accuracy in both grammar and contextual usage.

At the C1 level, 'informática' becomes a tool for discussing complex, abstract concepts. You can talk about 'informática teórica' versus 'informática aplicada'. You are able to use the word in academic or high-level professional environments, discussing 'la soberanía informática' or 'la ética en la informática'. You understand the nuances of how the word has evolved and its role in phrases like 'la revolución informática'. You can read and synthesize complex texts about 'la arquitectura informática' or 'la gestión de proyectos de informática'. Your usage is natural and error-free, including the correct placement of the accent and gender agreement in complex sentence structures. You can use the word to analyze the impact of technology on various sectors of society, from healthcare to law, using sophisticated vocabulary and structures.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'informática' is equivalent to a native speaker with a high level of education. You can use the term in highly specialized contexts, such as 'informática cuántica', 'bioinformática', or 'geoinformática', understanding the intersection of this science with others. You can engage in deep philosophical or technical debates about the future of 'la informática' and its role in human evolution. You recognize the subtle stylistic choices between using 'informática', 'tecnología', and 'sistemas' to convey specific registers or professional identities. You can write academic papers, technical manuals, or opinion pieces for prestigious publications using the term and its derivatives with absolute precision. Your understanding includes the historical development of the term and its linguistic variations across the entire Spanish-speaking world, allowing you to switch registers and dialects effortlessly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

informática in 30 Seconds

Informática refers to the science and industry of automatic information processing using computers, commonly translated as Computer Science or IT in English.
It is a feminine noun (la informática) and requires an accent on the second 'i' because it is an esdrújula word (stressed on the antepenultimate syllable).
In Spain, it is the standard term for all things tech, while Latin America sometimes uses 'computación' for casual or academic computing contexts.
Commonly used in phrases like 'seguridad informática' (IT security), 'aula de informática' (computer lab), and 'departamento de informática' (IT department).

The word informática is a fascinating portmanteau that originated from the combination of the Spanish words información (information) and automática (automatic). In its broadest sense, it refers to the science, practice, and industry of processing information using digital computers. For English speakers, it is most commonly translated as 'Computer Science' in academic contexts or 'Information Technology' (IT) in professional settings. However, in Spanish-speaking cultures, the term carries a slightly more holistic weight, encompassing everything from the theoretical algorithms taught at universities to the physical maintenance of a company's server room.

Academic Context: In universities across Spain and Latin America, 'Ingeniería en Informática' is one of the most prestigious and challenging degrees, focusing on software engineering, hardware architecture, and data management. It is not merely about using computers but about designing the systems that make them work.

Professional Context: When you are in an office and your computer screen goes blue, you call the 'departamento de informática'. Here, the word acts as a collective noun for the IT department and the technical support staff who keep the digital infrastructure running.

La informática ha revolucionado la manera en que nos comunicamos y trabajamos en el siglo veintiuno.

The word is also used to describe the general literacy or skills one has with technology. If someone says they have 'conocimientos de informática', they are stating they know how to use software like Excel, Word, or specialized programming languages. It is a feminine noun, so it is always la informática. Interestingly, while Spain heavily favors this term, some Latin American countries might use computación more frequently in casual speech, although informática remains the standard for official and technical designations.

El profesor de informática nos enseñó a programar en Python hoy.

Para este puesto de trabajo, es imprescindible tener un título en informática.

La seguridad informática es una de las mayores preocupaciones de las empresas actuales.

Sin la informática, el mundo moderno simplemente dejaría de funcionar en cuestión de segundos.

Etymology Note: The term was coined in France as 'informatique' in 1962 by Philippe Dreyfus. It quickly spread to other Romance languages, including Spanish, where it became the standard term, unlike English which preferred 'Computer Science'.

Using informática correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a feminine noun. It often appears as the subject of a sentence, the object of a preposition (especially 'de'), or as part of a compound noun phrase. Because it is an abstract concept representing a whole field of study, it almost always takes the definite article 'la' when used in a general sense. For example, if you want to say 'Computer science is difficult', you must say 'La informática es difícil'.

As a Subject: When 'informática' is the star of the sentence, it dictates the feminine singular agreement for any accompanying adjectives. Example: 'La informática forense es vital para resolver crímenes digitales'. Here, 'forense' and 'vital' modify the feminine noun.

¿Te gusta la informática o prefieres las humanidades?

In Compound Phrases: In Spanish, we don't usually use nouns as adjectives as often as English does. Instead of 'IT security', we say 'seguridad informática'. Instead of 'computer lab', we say 'aula de informática'. In these cases, 'informática' can act as an adjective (informático/a) or remain a noun following 'de'.

El mantenimiento informático se realizará durante la madrugada para no interrumpir el servicio.

Necesitamos actualizar todas las herramientas de informática antes del próximo trimestre.

Su carrera en la informática comenzó cuando apenas tenía diez años y desarmó su primera radio.

Muchos jóvenes se sienten atraídos por la informática debido al auge de los videojuegos.

Professional Titles: If you are a computer scientist, you would say 'Soy informático' (male) or 'Soy informática' (female). If you are referring to your department, you say 'Estoy en informática'. This versatility makes it a core word for modern professional Spanish.

In the Spanish-speaking world, you will hear informática everywhere from the classroom to the boardroom. In schools, it is the name of the subject where children learn to type, use the internet safely, and eventually, code. You'll hear parents asking, '¿A qué hora tienes clase de informática?' (What time is your computer class?). In the corporate world, it is the standard term for the IT support line. If the internet stops working in a Madrid office, someone will inevitably shout, '¡Llamad a los de informática!' (Call the IT guys!).

News and Media: News reports frequently use the term when discussing cybersecurity breaches, known as 'ataques informáticos', or new technological advancements. It is the sophisticated way to refer to the digital world, more formal than just saying 'computadoras'.

El experto en informática explicó los riesgos de la inteligencia artificial en la televisión nacional.

Daily Life and Shopping: When shopping in a large department store like El Corte Inglés, you will see a large sign that simply says 'Informática'. This section contains laptops, printers, software, and accessories. It serves as a catch-all term for consumer electronics related to computing.

Perdone, ¿dónde está la sección de informática? Necesito un teclado nuevo.

Hoy en día, la informática es una competencia básica para cualquier empleo de oficina.

Hubo un fallo en el sistema informático del banco y no pudimos sacar dinero.

La informática cuántica promete resolver problemas que hoy son imposibles.

In Government and Law: Legal documents often refer to 'delitos informáticos' (cybercrimes). This includes hacking, identity theft, and digital fraud. Law enforcement agencies have specialized 'unidades de informática' to track digital footprints and evidence.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is trying to use 'informática' to refer to the physical machine. You cannot say 'mi informática está rota' to mean 'my computer is broken'. For the physical device, you must use ordenador (in Spain) or computadora/computador (in Latin America). Informática is the science or the department, not the gadget.

Gender Confusion: Because 'informática' ends in 'a', it is feminine. However, because it starts with 'i', some learners mistakenly think it might follow the rule of words like 'agua' (which takes 'el' in the singular). This is not the case here. It is always 'la informática'.

Incorrecto: El informática es mi pasión.
Correcto: La informática es mi pasión.

Misusing the Adjective: Learners often forget that 'informático' is also an adjective. They might say 'un problema de informática' (a problem of informatics) which is fine, but 'un problema informático' (an informatics problem) is often more natural. Remember to match the gender: 'una solución informática' but 'un error informático'.

Incorrecto: Trabajo en el departamento de computador.
Correcto: Trabajo en el departamento de informática.

La palabra informática lleva tilde en la segunda 'i' porque es una palabra esdrújula.

No digas 'clase de computador', lo correcto es 'clase de informática'.

Un 'informático' es la persona, la 'informática' es la ciencia.

Spelling Errors: Many students forget the accent mark: 'informatica' instead of 'informática'. In Spanish, words stressed on the third-to-last syllable (esdrújulas) always have an accent mark. Skipping it is a significant spelling error that affects pronunciation.

While informática is the king of tech terms in Spanish, there are several other words you should know to sound more precise or to understand different regional variations. The most obvious alternative is computación.

Informática vs. Computación: In Spain, 'informática' is used for everything. In Latin America, 'computación' is often used for the study of computers, while 'informática' is reserved for the management of information systems. Think of 'computación' as 'computing' and 'informática' as 'informatics'.

Sistemas: Short for 'Ingeniería de Sistemas' or 'Sistemas de Información'. In many Latin American offices, you don't call 'informática', you call 'sistemas'. 'Hablé con el chico de sistemas' means 'I spoke with the IT guy'.

La tecnología de la información (TI) es un término más empresarial que la informática general.

Programación: This is a subset of informatics. While 'informática' covers hardware, networks, and theory, 'programación' refers specifically to writing code. Don't use them interchangeably if you want to be precise.

Estudiar cibernética es ir un paso más allá de la informática tradicional hacia los sistemas de control.

La ofimática se refiere específicamente a la informática aplicada al trabajo de oficina (Word, Excel, etc.).

El análisis de datos es una rama de la informática que está creciendo muy rápido.

La arquitectura de sistemas es fundamental para el desarrollo de software a gran escala.

Ofimática: A very useful word in Spanish resumes. It combines 'oficina' and 'informática'. If you have 'buen nivel de ofimática', it means you are proficient with office suites like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While English speakers adopted 'Computer Science', most Romance languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese) adopted a version of 'Informatics'. This makes the word a great cognate for speakers of these languages!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɪn.fɔːˈmæ.tɪ.kə/

US /ɪn.fɔːrˈmæ.tɪ.kə/

The stress is on the third-to-last syllable (in-for-MÁ-ti-ca). It is an 'esdrújula' word, which always requires a written accent.

Rhymes With

matemática automática gramática temática práctica estática dinámica diplomática

Common Errors

Stressing the last syllable (infor-ma-ti-CÁ).
Stressing the second-to-last syllable (infor-ma-TÍ-ca).
Pronouncing the 't' with an English aspiration (like 't-ha').
Pronouncing the 'i' like the 'i' in 'bite' instead of 'ee' in 'see'.
Forgetting to tap the 'r' correctly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'informatics', but usually translated as 'computer science'.

Writing 4/5

The accent mark and the 'esdrújula' stress pattern can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice with the Spanish 'r' and the specific stress on the third-to-last syllable.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation and distinct sounds make it easy to identify in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

computadora información ciencia clase trabajo

Learn Next

programación algoritmo servidor base de datos redes

Advanced

inteligencia artificial criptografía computación cuántica big data

Grammar to Know

Accentuation of Esdrújula Words

Informática, Matemática, Gramática (all always have accents).

Gender of Abstract Nouns in -ica

La informática, la física, la química (mostly feminine).

Adjective Agreement

El sistema informático (masculine) vs La red informática (feminine).

Definite Article with Subjects

La informática es útil (must use 'la' when it's the subject).

Compound Nouns with 'de'

Aula de informática (use 'de' to describe the purpose of a room).

Examples by Level

Tengo clase de informática los lunes.

I have computer class on Mondays.

Note the use of 'de' to link the class to the subject.

Me gusta mucho la informática.

I like computer science very much.

Always use the definite article 'la' with 'gusta' for abstract nouns.

La informática es divertida.

Computer science is fun.

Adjective 'divertida' matches the feminine noun 'informática'.

¿Dónde está el aula de informática?

Where is the computer lab?

'Aula' is feminine but uses 'el' for sound, but 'informática' remains feminine.

Mi padre trabaja en informática.

My father works in IT.

Using 'en' to indicate a field of work.

Necesito un libro de informática.

I need a computer science book.

'De' indicates the subject or category of the book.

La informática es importante hoy.

Computer science is important today.

'Importante' is a gender-neutral adjective.

Aprendo informática en la escuela.

I learn computer science at school.

Direct object usage after the verb 'aprender'.

Estoy haciendo un curso de informática básica.

I am doing a basic computer course.

'Básica' agrees with the feminine noun 'informática'.

¿Tienes conocimientos de informática?

Do you have computer skills?

'Conocimientos de' is a common way to express skills.

La informática ha cambiado el mundo.

Computer science has changed the world.

Present perfect tense showing the impact over time.

Busco un experto en informática.

I am looking for an IT expert.

Noun 'experto' followed by 'en' + field.

El departamento de informática está en el tercer piso.

The IT department is on the third floor.

Standard way to name the IT department.

Ella estudia ingeniería informática.

She studies computer engineering.

Here 'informática' acts as an adjective modifying 'ingeniería'.

No entiendo nada de informática.

I don't understand anything about computers.

Using 'nada de' to express total lack of knowledge.

La informática es mi asignatura favorita.

Computer science is my favorite subject.

Matching feminine adjectives 'asignatura' and 'favorita'.

La seguridad informática es fundamental para las empresas.

IT security is fundamental for companies.

Compound term 'seguridad informática' (adjective usage).

He perdido mis archivos por un fallo informático.

I lost my files due to a computer glitch.

'Informático' is the adjective form of 'informática'.

La informática nos permite trabajar desde casa.

Computer science allows us to work from home.

Verb 'permitir' followed by an infinitive.

Quiero mejorar mis competencias informáticas este año.

I want to improve my IT skills this year.

'Competencias informáticas' is plural; note the adjective agreement.

El sector de la informática ofrece muchos empleos.

The IT sector offers many jobs.

'Sector de la informática' is a formal way to refer to the industry.

La informática forense ayuda a la policía.

Forensic informatics helps the police.

Specialized branch of the field.

La empresa invierte mucho en mantenimiento informático.

The company invests a lot in IT maintenance.

'Mantenimiento informático' is a common business term.

Sin la informática, no existiría internet.

Without computer science, the internet wouldn't exist.

Conditional 'existiría' used for a hypothetical situation.

El ataque informático paralizó los servicios del hospital.

The cyberattack paralyzed the hospital's services.

'Ataque informático' is the standard term for a cyberattack.

Se requiere un alto nivel de ofimática e informática.

A high level of office software and IT skills is required.

Distinguishing between office software (ofimática) and general IT.

La informática cuántica es el futuro de la tecnología.

Quantum computing is the future of technology.

Using a specific branch as the subject.

Debemos actualizar el sistema informático de la oficina.

We must update the office's computer system.

Adjective 'informático' modifying the masculine 'sistema'.

El perito informático analizó las pruebas del caso.

The computer expert analyzed the evidence of the case.

'Perito' refers to a legal expert.

La ética informática es un tema de debate actual.

Computer ethics is a current topic of debate.

Abstract concept using adjective agreement.

La brecha digital se debe a la falta de acceso a la informática.

The digital divide is due to the lack of access to IT.

'Falta de acceso a' followed by the noun.

La arquitectura informática de la nube es muy compleja.

The IT architecture of the cloud is very complex.

Discussing advanced structural concepts.

La soberanía informática es clave para la independencia nacional.

Informatics sovereignty is key to national independence.

High-level political and technological concept.

El desarrollo de la informática teórica sentó las bases de la IA.

The development of theoretical informatics laid the foundations of AI.

Using 'sentar las bases' (to lay the foundations).

La convergencia entre la biología y la informática es asombrosa.

The convergence between biology and informatics is amazing.

Noun 'convergencia' followed by 'entre... y...'.

Hubo una vulnerabilidad en la red informática institucional.

There was a vulnerability in the institutional computer network.

Precise technical vocabulary (vulnerabilidad, institucional).

La gestión de proyectos informáticos requiere habilidades blandas.

Managing IT projects requires soft skills.

Plural adjective 'informáticos' matching 'proyectos'.

La informática ha democratizado el acceso a la información.

Informatics has democratized access to information.

Using the verb 'democratizar' in a social context.

Es imperativo mitigar los riesgos informáticos en el sector bancario.

It is imperative to mitigate IT risks in the banking sector.

Formal structure 'Es imperativo' + infinitive.

La auditoría informática reveló graves fallos de seguridad.

The IT audit revealed serious security flaws.

'Auditoría informática' is a formal business process.

La ubicuidad de la informática plantea dilemas existenciales.

The ubiquity of informatics poses existential dilemmas.

Sophisticated vocabulary (ubicuidad, plantear).

La informática cuántica podría descifrar los algoritmos actuales.

Quantum computing could crack current algorithms.

Potentiality expressed with the conditional 'podría'.

La transdisciplinariedad de la informática es su mayor virtud.

The transdisciplinarity of informatics is its greatest virtue.

Extremely formal and academic noun.

Se debate la ontología de la informática como ciencia pura.

The ontology of informatics as a pure science is being debated.

Passive 'se' construction with philosophical terminology.

La infraestructura informática es el sistema nervioso de la sociedad.

The IT infrastructure is the nervous system of society.

Metaphorical usage in high-level discourse.

La informática ha propiciado un cambio de paradigma ineludible.

Informatics has brought about an inescapable paradigm shift.

Using 'propiciar' and 'ineludible' for formal impact.

La minería de datos es una vertiente crítica de la informática moderna.

Data mining is a critical aspect of modern informatics.

Technical term 'vertiente' (aspect/branch).

La robustez del entramado informático garantiza la continuidad del servicio.

The robustness of the IT framework guarantees service continuity.

Literary and technical vocabulary (robustez, entramado).

Common Collocations

seguridad informática

sistema informático

experto en informática

aula de informática

delito informático

soporte informático

herramientas informáticas

red informática

industria informática

formación informática

Common Phrases

Saber de informática

— To know about or be skilled in computers. It is a general way to describe tech literacy.

Ella sabe mucho de informática, siempre me ayuda con el móvil.

Clase de informática

— Computer class or IT lesson. Used primarily in primary and secondary education.

Mañana tenemos un examen en la clase de informática.

Departamento de informática

— The IT department in a company. The people responsible for technical support.

El departamento de informática está actualizando los servidores.

Ingeniería informática

— Computer Science Engineering. The standard university degree for developers.

Mi sueño es estudiar ingeniería informática en Madrid.

Ataque informático

— A cyberattack or hacking attempt. Used in news and security contexts.

La web del gobierno sufrió un ataque informático ayer.

Conocimientos de informática

— Computer skills/literacy. A standard phrase found on resumes.

Tengo conocimientos de informática a nivel usuario.

Mantenimiento informático

— IT maintenance. Services involving repairing or updating systems.

Pagamos una cuota mensual por el mantenimiento informático.

Sector informático

— The IT sector or tech industry. Refers to the economic field.

El sector informático es el que más crece en la región.

Fallo informático

— A computer glitch or system error. A common excuse for delays.

El tren se retrasó por un fallo informático en las vías.

Mundo informático

— The world of computing. A broad term for the digital landscape.

El mundo informático evoluciona a pasos agigantados.

Often Confused With

informática vs Computadora

Informática is the science; computadora is the physical machine. You use the science, but you buy the machine.

informática vs Información

Información is the data itself; informática is the method of processing that data automatically.

informática vs Informador

An informador is an informant or someone who gives info; an informático is a computer scientist.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar colgado el sistema"

— To have the system frozen or crashed. It's the technical equivalent of 'the system is down'.

No podemos atenderle ahora, está colgado el sistema informático.

Professional/Informal

"Ser un hacha en informática"

— To be an expert or very skilled in computers. 'Hacha' means axe, implying someone who cuts through problems.

Mi sobrino es un hacha en informática, te lo arregla en un segundo.

Informal

"Reiniciar la vida"

— To start over, borrowed from the computer term 'reiniciar' (to reboot).

Después del divorcio, decidió reiniciar su vida en otra ciudad.

Informal/Metaphorical

"Tener un virus"

— Used metaphorically for someone who is acting strangely or is obsessed, like a computer virus.

Ese chico tiene el virus de la informática, no sale de su habitación.

Informal

"Hablar en binario"

— To speak in a very technical or coded way that others don't understand.

Cuando los informáticos hablan entre ellos, parece que hablan en binario.

Informal

"Quedarse en blanco"

— To have one's mind go blank, often compared to a computer screen with no data.

En el examen de informática me quedé en blanco.

Neutral

"Estar fuera de línea"

— To be disconnected or not paying attention, like a computer that is offline.

Perdona, estaba fuera de línea, ¿qué decías?

Informal

"Formatear el cerebro"

— To completely clear one's mind or change one's way of thinking.

Necesito unas vacaciones para formatear el cerebro.

Slang/Informal

"Actualizar el chip"

— To update one's mindset or learn new ways of doing things.

En esta empresa tenemos que actualizar el chip o nos quedaremos atrás.

Informal

"Ser un analfabeto digital"

— To be digitally illiterate, someone who knows nothing of informatics.

Mucha gente mayor se siente como analfabetos digitales ante la informática.

Neutral

Easily Confused

informática vs Computación

Both refer to computers.

In Spain, informática is used for everything. In Latin America, computación is the study, and informática is the management.

Estudio computación en la universidad de Buenos Aires.

informática vs Ofimática

Related to office work.

Ofimática is specific to office software (Word, Excel). Informática is the whole broad science.

Tengo un certificado en ofimática básica.

informática vs Programación

Both involve code.

Programación is the act of writing code. Informática includes hardware, networks, and theory too.

La programación es mi parte favorita de la informática.

informática vs Sistemas

Used in professional settings.

Sistemas usually refers to the IT department or large-scale network structures.

El jefe de sistemas está en una reunión.

informática vs Telemática

Involves data transmission.

Telemática is specifically about communication and networks. Informática is more general.

La telemática es vital para el funcionamiento del GPS.

Sentence Patterns

Me gusta la [subject].

Me gusta la informática.

Tengo un curso de [subject].

Tengo un curso de informática.

El [noun] [adjective] es [adjective].

El sistema informático es lento.

Debido a un [noun], [consequence].

Debido a un fallo informático, no hay luz.

La [noun] de la [noun] ha [verb].

La evolución de la informática ha transformado la sociedad.

Es necesario [verb] la [noun].

Es necesario mejorar la seguridad informática.

A pesar de la [noun], [clause].

A pesar de la sofisticación informática, existen riesgos.

Si no fuera por la [noun], [conditional].

Si no fuera por la informática, no estaríamos aquí.

Word Family

Nouns

informático (male computer scientist)

informática (female computer scientist / the science)

informatización (computerization)

desinformatización (de-computerization)

Verbs

informatizar (to computerize)

desinformatizar (to remove computer systems)

Adjectives

informático (related to informatics)

informatizado (computerized)

preinformático (pre-computing era)

información

ordenador

computadora

tecnología

software

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in modern Spanish, especially in urban and professional environments.

Common Mistakes

El informática es difícil. → La informática es difícil.
Informática is a feminine noun. You must always use the feminine article 'la'.
Mi informática está rota. → Mi computadora/ordenador está roto/a.
Informática refers to the science or field, not the physical machine.
Estudio informatica. → Estudio informática.
You missed the accent mark on the 'á'. It's an esdrújula word and always needs one.
Trabajo en el departamento de computador. → Trabajo en el departamento de informática.
The department is named after the science (informática), not the device (computador).
Un problema de informático. → Un problema informático.
Use the adjective 'informático' to describe the type of problem, or 'de informática' as a noun phrase.

Tips

Always Feminine

Never say 'el informática'. Even if you are a man, you study 'la informática'. If you want to say you are a computer scientist, say 'Soy informático'.

The Esdrújula Rule

The word has 5 syllables: in-for-má-ti-ca. The 'má' is where you put all the energy. Practice it like a beat: da-da-DA-da-da.

Spain vs LatAm

If you are in Spain, use 'informática' and 'ordenador'. If you are in Latin America, you can use 'computación' and 'computadora'. Both are correct, but regional preference is strong.

On Your CV

Don't just write 'Computer Skills'. Write 'Conocimientos de informática' or 'Nivel avanzado de ofimática' to sound like a native professional.

Don't Forget the Accent

The accent on the 'á' is mandatory. In Spanish, missing an accent on an esdrújula word is considered a major spelling mistake.

The IT Department

In an office, if you need help, ask for 'los de informática'. It's a very common and natural way to refer to the tech support team.

University Degrees

If you see 'Grado en Informática', it's equivalent to a Bachelor's in Computer Science. It's a very respected degree in the Spanish-speaking world.

Being a 'Crack'

If someone calls you a 'crack de la informática', take it as a huge compliment! It means you are exceptionally good at it.

Cybersecurity

When reading about hackers or viruses, look for the term 'seguridad informática'. It is the standard term for protecting digital assets.

Cognate Advantage

Use your knowledge of English 'information' and 'automatic' to remember the meaning. They are very close relatives!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Information' + 'Automatic' = INFOR-MATICA. It's the science of making information automatic!

Visual Association

Imagine a brain made of silicon chips and wires, processing 'información' automatically.

Word Web

Computadora Software Internet Código Datos Hardware Redes Algoritmos

Challenge

Write three sentences about your job or hobby using the word 'informática' or 'informático' correctly.

Word Origin

The word 'informática' was adapted into Spanish from the French term 'informatique'. It was coined in 1962 by the French engineer Philippe Dreyfus. It is a portmanteau of the words 'information' and 'automatique'.

Original meaning: The automatic processing of information.

Romance (Spanish, from French)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that using 'computación' in Spain might sound slightly foreign or old-fashioned, while 'informática' is universally understood.

English speakers often say 'IT' or 'Comp Sci'. In Spanish, you almost always say the full word 'informática' unless you are using the acronym 'TI' in a very formal business report.

Grado en Ingeniería Informática (The standard degree in Spain). Delitos Informáticos (A common section in Spanish news). Semana de la Informática (Tech festivals held in various cities).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

Grado en informática
Profesor de informática
Aula de informática
Examen de informática

Workplace

Departamento de informática
Soporte informático
Mantenimiento informático
Técnico informático

News/Media

Ataque informático
Seguridad informática
Delito informático
Avance informático

Shopping

Sección de informática
Productos de informática
Tienda de informática
Ofertas en informática

Daily Life

Saber de informática
Problema informático
Herramientas informáticas
Mundo informático

Conversation Starters

"¿Te gusta la informática o prefieres otros temas?"

"¿Crees que la informática debería enseñarse desde la primaria?"

"¿Has tenido alguna vez un problema informático grave?"

"¿Qué rama de la informática te parece más interesante?"

"¿Trabaja alguien de tu familia en el sector de la informática?"

Journal Prompts

Describe cómo la informática ha cambiado tu rutina diaria en los últimos cinco años.

Escribe sobre una vez que el departamento de informática te ayudó a resolver un problema.

¿Cuáles son, en tu opinión, las ventajas y desventajas de la informática en la educación?

Imagina un mundo sin informática. ¿Cómo sería un día normal para ti?

Si pudieras estudiar una especialidad en informática, ¿cuál elegirías y por qué?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Es femenino. Siempre se dice 'la informática'. Aunque empiece por 'i', no sigue la regla de 'el agua' porque la 'i' inicial no es tónica (la fuerza de voz está en la 'á').

La forma más común es 'informática'. En contextos muy formales o empresariales, puedes ver 'TI' (Tecnologías de la Información), pero en el día a día, 'informática' es lo que todos usan.

Un 'informático' es la persona (el profesional) que trabaja con ordenadores. 'La informática' es la ciencia o el campo de estudio en sí mismo.

Sí, se entiende en todas partes, pero en países como México, Argentina o Chile, es muy común escuchar 'computación' para referirse a la carrera universitaria o a la clase en el colegio.

Lleva tilde porque es una palabra esdrújula. Las palabras esdrújulas son las que tienen el acento en la antepenúltima sílaba, y en español, todas las esdrújulas deben llevar tilde.

No, eso suena mal. Debes decir 'mi ordenador no funciona' o 'mi computadora no funciona'. 'Informática' se refiere a la ciencia, no al aparato físico.

Significa 'cybersecurity'. Es el área de la informática que se enfoca en proteger los sistemas y los datos de ataques o accesos no autorizados.

No exactamente. La ingeniería informática es el título universitario que abarca muchas cosas (hardware, redes, gestión). La programación es una de las habilidades que se aprenden dentro de esa carrera.

Se dice 'aula de informática' o 'sala de informática'. Es el lugar en las escuelas o universidades donde están los ordenadores para los alumnos.

Es un término que combina 'oficina' e 'informática'. Se refiere al uso de programas de oficina como procesadores de texto, hojas de cálculo y presentaciones.