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periférico

B1 noun 8 min read

periférico

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips periférico in 30 Seconds

Explanation periférico in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'periférico' in the context of computers. Think of it as a fancy word for things you plug into your laptop. A mouse is a peripheral. A keyboard is a peripheral. You might see this word in a store or on a website when buying tech. It is a masculine noun: 'el periférico'. Example: 'El ratón es un periférico'. Just remember it refers to the extra parts of a computer that are on the outside. Don't worry about the other meanings yet; focus on the 'gadgets' aspect.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'periférico' as an adjective to describe things on the edge. You might talk about 'barrios periféricos' (neighborhoods on the outskirts) when discussing where people live. Remember that as an adjective, it must change to 'periférica' if the noun is feminine. For example, 'una calle periférica' (a peripheral street). You are also becoming more familiar with technology, so you can say 'conectar un periférico' (to connect a peripheral). This level is about basic agreement and expanding from just tech to simple geography.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with 'periférico' in both its noun and adjective forms. You should know that in countries like Mexico, 'El Periférico' is a major highway. You should also understand its use in medical terms like 'visión periférica' (peripheral vision). You can use the word to describe things that are not the main focus, like 'detalles periféricos'. This level requires you to understand the context—are we talking about a computer, a car journey, or a medical check-up? You should also distinguish it from the noun 'la periferia' (the outskirts).

At the B2 level, you use 'periférico' in more abstract and professional contexts. You might use it in a business meeting to describe 'temas periféricos' (side issues) that shouldn't distract from the main goal. You are aware of its use in sociology or economics, such as 'economías periféricas'. Your grammar should be flawless, handling pluralization and gender agreement without thinking. You also understand the regional differences, knowing when to use 'circunvalación' in Spain versus 'periférico' in Latin America. You can explain the 'sistema nervioso periférico' in a basic scientific discussion.

At the C1 level, 'periférico' becomes a tool for precise academic and literary expression. You might use it to describe the 'periférico' nature of a character in a novel or a 'periférico' argument in a complex legal case. You understand the nuance between 'periférico', 'marginal', and 'secundario'. You can participate in deep discussions about urban planning, debating the impact of 'el periférico' on city growth and social segregation. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use the word metaphorically in almost any field, from philosophy to advanced engineering.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'periférico'. You can detect the subtle connotations it carries in different Spanish-speaking cultures. You might use it in high-level discourse about 'geopolítica periférica' or 'identidades periféricas'. You can play with the word in creative writing or complex rhetoric. You are also familiar with very specific technical uses in fields like advanced computing (peripheral processing units) or specialized medicine. The word is no longer a 'vocabulary item' but a versatile concept you use to structure complex thoughts and arguments.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

periférico in 30 Seconds

Periférico describes things on the edge, whether it is a city neighborhood, a computer gadget, or a secondary topic in a conversation.
In technology, it is a masculine noun referring to hardware like mice and printers. In Mexico, it is the name of a major beltway.
As an adjective, it must agree with the noun: 'zona periférica' (feminine) vs 'dispositivo periférico' (masculine). It is a common B1-level word.
It is often confused with 'periferia' (the noun for outskirts). Remember: 'periférico' is the adjective or the specific road/device.

The Spanish word periférico is a multifaceted term that serves as both an adjective and a noun, mirroring the English 'peripheral' but with specific cultural and technical nuances that are essential for a B1 learner to master. At its core, it describes anything situated on the edge, the fringe, or the outer limits of a central point. However, in daily Spanish life, you will encounter it most frequently in two distinct contexts: computing and urban geography.

Technical Context: In the world of technology, un periférico refers to any auxiliary device that connects to and works with a computer but is not part of the core architecture (the CPU or RAM). This includes keyboards, mice, printers, and scanners. When you go to a store like MediaMarkt in Spain or Best Buy in Mexico, you will see a section labeled 'Periféricos'.

He comprado un nuevo periférico para mi estudio de grabación, específicamente un micrófono de alta gama.

Urban and Geographic Context: In many Spanish-speaking metropolitan areas, especially in Mexico City, 'El Periférico' is the name of the massive ring road or beltway that circles the city. If someone says 'estoy en el periférico', they aren't talking about a mouse; they are stuck in traffic on a major highway. In Spain, while 'circunvalación' is common, 'periférico' is used to describe neighborhoods or zones located on the outskirts (barrios periféricos).

El tráfico en el periférico está detenido por un accidente en los carriles centrales.

Beyond these physical uses, the word is also applied metaphorically to ideas or issues that are secondary or non-essential to a main argument. In a business meeting, a manager might dismiss a point by saying it is a 'tema periférico', meaning it is not central to the current discussion. This usage is common in academic and professional Spanish (C1+ levels), but understanding the literal meanings is the foundation for B1 learners. Whether you are building a PC or navigating a capital city, 'periférico' is a word that defines the boundaries of your experience.

No nos perdamos en detalles periféricos; lo importante es el presupuesto total.

Anatomy and Health: In medicine, you will hear about the 'sistema nervioso periférico' (peripheral nervous system). This refers to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Similarly, 'visión periférica' refers to what you see out of the corner of your eye. These are standard terms used globally in Spanish-speaking medical communities.

El atleta tiene una excelente visión periférica, lo que le permite reaccionar rápido.

Las zonas periféricas de la ciudad han crecido sin mucha planificación urbana.

Using periférico correctly involves understanding its role as both a noun (masculine) and an adjective. When it acts as a noun in a computing context, it is almost always masculine: el periférico. When it refers to the ring road in Latin America, it is also masculine: el periférico. However, as an adjective, it must match the noun it describes.

Agreement Rules: If you are talking about a peripheral street (una calle), you use the feminine form: una calle periférica. If you are talking about peripheral devices (dispositivos), you use the masculine plural: dispositivos periféricos.

La periférica situación de la aldea dificulta el acceso a internet de alta velocidad.

In professional settings, you will often use the word to categorize information. Phrases like 'visión periférica' (peripheral vision) or 'puntos periféricos' (peripheral points) are common. Note that 'periférico' usually follows the noun it modifies, which is the standard position for descriptive adjectives in Spanish.

Necesitamos conectar todos los periféricos antes de iniciar la presentación.

Common Verb Pairings: When talking about tech, you will use verbs like conectar (to connect), configurar (to configure), or instalar (to install). When talking about the road, you use conducir por (to drive on) or tomar (to take).

Para llegar más rápido, es mejor tomar el periférico a estas horas.

El sistema detectó un nuevo periférico de entrada automáticamente.

Abstract Usage: In sociological or political discussions, you might hear about 'países periféricos' (peripheral countries), referring to those that are not part of the global economic core. This is a common term in dependency theory and international relations.

La inversión extranjera suele concentrarse en el centro y no en la zona periférica.

To hear periférico in its natural habitat, you need to look at three specific environments: the IT office, the urban commute, and the doctor's office. Each environment uses the word with a slightly different flavor, but the underlying concept of 'being on the outside' remains constant.

In the Office / Tech Shop: If you are in a Spanish-speaking country and your mouse breaks, you might go to the IT department and say: 'Tengo un problema con un periférico'. Tech support will immediately understand you are talking about hardware like a keyboard, mouse, or printer. In online shopping, filters will often have a category called 'Periféricos de PC'.

¿Podrías revisar por qué no funciona este periférico? El ordenador no lo reconoce.

In Mexico City (CDMX): The word is ubiquitous in Mexico's capital. Radio traffic reports will constantly mention 'El Periférico'. Phrases like 'Periférico Norte' or 'Periférico Sur' are essential for navigation. For millions of 'Chilangos' (residents of CDMX), the Periférico is a daily reality of concrete and congestion.

Si vas a salir ahora, evita el periférico; hay un embotellamiento terrible.

Muchos jóvenes se mudan a barrios periféricos porque el centro es muy caro.

In Science and Academia: In university lectures, especially in sociology or biology, 'periférico' is a high-frequency academic word. A biology professor might discuss 'nervios periféricos', while a sociology professor might discuss the 'periferia' (the noun form) and its relationship with the global center.

El estudio se centra en las comunidades periféricas y su acceso a servicios básicos.

You will also see it on road signs (though usually abbreviated as 'Periférico' in Mexico) and in instruction manuals for electronic devices. It is a word that bridges the gap between technical jargon and everyday survival in a big city.

While periférico is a cognate of 'peripheral', there are several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into, ranging from grammatical errors to conceptual misunderstandings.

Confusing 'Periférico' with 'Periferia': This is the most common mistake. 'Periférico' is an adjective (peripheral) or a specific noun (device/road). 'Periferia' is the noun meaning 'the outskirts' or 'the periphery' in a general sense. You live en la periferia, but you drive por el periférico.

Incorrecto: Vivo en el periférico. (Unless you live on the highway!)
Correcto: Vivo en la periferia.

Gender Agreement in Adjectives: English speakers often forget to change the ending to 'periférica' when describing feminine nouns like 'zona', 'visión', or 'calle'. Always double-check the noun's gender.

Incorrecto: Tengo una visión periférico muy buena.
Correcto: Tengo una visión periférica muy buena.

Assuming it means 'External' in all cases: While 'periférico' implies being on the outside, it is not always interchangeable with 'externo'. 'Externo' is used for things outside a body or organization (e.g., consultor externo). 'Periférico' is specifically about the edge of a system or area.

No es un problema periférico, es un problema central del motor.

Finally, remember that in computing, 'periférico' is a very formal/technical word. In casual conversation, people might just say 'el teclado' or 'el ratón'. Using 'periférico' makes you sound precise and knowledgeable about tech.

To expand your vocabulary beyond periférico, it is helpful to look at synonyms and related terms that vary depending on the context (geographic, technical, or abstract).

Geographic Alternatives: Circunvalación: The most common term in Spain for a ring road.
Afueras: Used for 'the outskirts'. 'Vivo en las afueras'.
Extrarradio: A slightly more formal or old-fashioned term for the areas outside the city center.

Prefiero vivir en las afueras para tener más tranquilidad que en el centro.

Technical Alternatives: Dispositivo: A general word for 'device'.
Accesorio: Often used for smaller peripherals like headphones or webcams.
Componente: Usually refers to internal parts (like a graphics card), whereas 'periférico' is external.

Este dispositivo es compatible con todos los sistemas operativos modernos.

Abstract/Adjective Alternatives: Secundario: Secondary or less important.
Marginal: Marginal, often used in social contexts.
Externo: External, something that comes from the outside.

Es un problema secundario que podemos resolver la próxima semana.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'peri-' means 'around' (like in perimeter) and '-phero' means 'to carry'. So it literally means 'carrying around' the center.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɛ.ɾi.ˈfe.ɾi.ko/

US /pɛ.ɾi.ˈfe.ɾi.ko/

Esdrújula (stressed on the third-to-last syllable).

Rhymes With

numérico genérico histérico esférico quimérico atmosférico climatérico colérico

Common Errors

Stressing the second syllable (pe-RI-ferico)
Using an English 'r' sound instead of the Spanish tap.
Pronouncing the 'o' at the end like 'ou'.
Missing the accent mark on the 'é' when writing.
Not making the 'p' sharp enough.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate of 'peripheral'.

Writing 4/5

Need to remember the accent on the 'é' and gender agreement.

Speaking 4/5

The 'r' tap and the esdrújula stress pattern take practice.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to spot in traffic reports or tech talk.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ordenador ciudad calle conectado afueras

Learn Next

circunvalación dispositivo infraestructura marginal núcleo

Advanced

hegemonía suburbio interfaz neuropatía adyacente

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

La zona (fem) periférica (fem) / El dispositivo (masc) periférico (masc).

Accentuation (Esdrújulas)

Words stressed on the third-to-last syllable always have an accent: pe-ri-fé-ri-co.

Position of Adjectives

Usually follows the noun: 'un barrio periférico'.

Gender of Nouns

'El periférico' (the device/road) is masculine.

Pluralization

Add 's' to vowels: periférico -> periféricos.

Examples by Level

Mi ratón es un periférico muy barato.

My mouse is a very cheap peripheral.

Masculine singular noun.

¿Dónde está el periférico?

Where is the peripheral?

Direct question with article.

Tengo un periférico nuevo.

I have a new peripheral.

Indefinite article 'un'.

El teclado es el periférico más importante.

The keyboard is the most important peripheral.

Superlative structure.

No me gusta este periférico.

I don't like this peripheral.

Demonstrative adjective 'este'.

Hay muchos periféricos en la tienda.

There are many peripherals in the store.

Plural noun.

Es un periférico de color negro.

It is a black peripheral.

Adjective 'negro' following the noun.

Necesito un periférico para imprimir.

I need a peripheral to print.

Preposition 'para' + infinitive.

Vivo en una zona periférica de la ciudad.

I live in a peripheral area of the city.

Feminine adjective agreement.

La calle periférica es muy tranquila.

The peripheral street is very quiet.

Feminine singular.

Debes conectar el periférico al puerto USB.

You must connect the peripheral to the USB port.

Verb 'conectar' + 'a'.

Hay pocos servicios en los barrios periféricos.

There are few services in the peripheral neighborhoods.

Masculine plural.

Mi visión periférica no es muy buena.

My peripheral vision is not very good.

Feminine singular adjective.

El periférico de entrada está roto.

The input peripheral is broken.

Compound noun phrase.

Caminamos por la ruta periférica.

We walked along the peripheral route.

Feminine singular.

Los periféricos son inalámbricos.

The peripherals are wireless.

Plural agreement.

El tráfico en el periférico es horrible hoy.

The traffic on the ring road is horrible today.

Noun use referring to a road.

Ese es un problema periférico, no nos preocupa ahora.

That is a peripheral problem; it doesn't worry us now.

Metaphorical adjective use.

Instalé un periférico para mejorar el sonido.

I installed a peripheral to improve the sound.

Preterite tense.

La visión periférica es esencial para los conductores.

Peripheral vision is essential for drivers.

General statement.

Tomamos el periférico para evitar el centro.

We took the ring road to avoid the center.

Infinitive of purpose.

Venden periféricos de segunda mano en el mercado.

They sell second-hand peripherals at the market.

Plural noun.

La zona periférica ha crecido mucho este año.

The peripheral zone has grown a lot this year.

Present perfect.

No reconozco este periférico en mi ordenador.

I don't recognize this peripheral on my computer.

Negative sentence.

El sistema nervioso periférico transmite señales al cerebro.

The peripheral nervous system transmits signals to the brain.

Scientific terminology.

Nos enfocamos en el núcleo, ignorando los datos periféricos.

We focused on the core, ignoring the peripheral data.

Abstract adjective.

La empresa abrió una sucursal en un área periférica.

The company opened a branch in a peripheral area.

Business context.

El periférico de salida más común es el monitor.

The most common output peripheral is the monitor.

Technical classification.

Muchos trabajadores viven en la zona periférica por el precio.

Many workers live in the peripheral zone because of the price.

Social context.

El accidente ocurrió justo en la entrada del periférico.

The accident happened right at the entrance to the ring road.

Specific location.

Es un tema periférico a nuestra discusión principal.

It is a peripheral topic to our main discussion.

Prepositional phrase 'periférico a'.

Los periféricos inalámbricos consumen mucha batería.

Wireless peripherals consume a lot of battery.

General fact.

La marginación de las regiones periféricas es un reto político.

The marginalization of peripheral regions is a political challenge.

Academic tone.

Su argumento se basa en evidencias periféricas y poco sólidas.

His argument is based on peripheral and flimsy evidence.

Critical analysis.

El desarrollo urbano debe integrar los barrios periféricos.

Urban development must integrate peripheral neighborhoods.

Policy discussion.

La visión periférica se ve afectada por ciertas patologías.

Peripheral vision is affected by certain pathologies.

Passive voice.

El periférico de la capital está colapsado por la lluvia.

The capital's ring road is collapsed due to the rain.

Metaphorical use of 'colapsado'.

Exploramos los aspectos periféricos de la teoría cuántica.

We explored the peripheral aspects of quantum theory.

Intellectual exploration.

La conexión de periféricos requiere controladores actualizados.

Connecting peripherals requires updated drivers.

Formal technical writing.

Las naciones periféricas buscan mayor peso en el comercio global.

Peripheral nations seek more weight in global trade.

Geopolitical context.

La otredad se manifiesta en los espacios periféricos de la urbe.

Otherness manifests in the peripheral spaces of the city.

Philosophical/Sociological.

El autor relega el conflicto central a un plano periférico.

The author relegates the central conflict to a peripheral plane.

Literary criticism.

Se detectó una neuropatía en el sistema periférico del paciente.

Neuropathy was detected in the patient's peripheral system.

Medical precision.

La infraestructura del periférico ha quedado obsoleta ante la demanda.

The ring road's infrastructure has become obsolete in the face of demand.

Complex noun phrase.

Ciertas lenguas son consideradas periféricas en el canon literario.

Certain languages are considered peripheral in the literary canon.

Cultural critique.

La arquitectura periférica suele carecer de cohesión estética.

Peripheral architecture often lacks aesthetic cohesion.

Aesthetic judgment.

El procesamiento periférico de datos reduce la latencia en la red.

Peripheral data processing reduces network latency.

High-level engineering.

La mirada periférica del cronista capta detalles que otros ignoran.

The chronicler's peripheral gaze captures details that others ignore.

Poetic description.

Common Collocations

Visión periférica

Sistema periférico

Barrio periférico

Dispositivo periférico

Zona periférica

Periférico de entrada

Periférico de salida

Vía periférica

Asunto periférico

Crecimiento periférico

Common Phrases

En el periférico

— On the ring road (specifically in Mexico City).

Hay mucho tráfico en el periférico.

Temas periféricos

— Side topics or non-essential points.

No hablemos de temas periféricos hoy.

Periférico de PC

— Computer accessories/hardware.

Busco un periférico de PC para jugar.

Ruta periférica

— A route that goes around the edge.

La ruta periférica es más larga pero más rápida.

Visión periférica

— Ability to see things outside the direct line of sight.

Perdí un poco de visión periférica.

Nervio periférico

— A nerve outside the central nervous system.

Le duele un nervio periférico.

Urbanismo periférico

— Planning of city outskirts.

El urbanismo periférico es un reto.

Países periféricos

— Developing nations or those outside economic centers.

Los países periféricos necesitan inversión.

Memoria periférica

— External storage devices.

Usa una memoria periférica para el respaldo.

Anillo periférico

— Another name for a ring road.

El anillo periférico rodea toda la capital.

Often Confused With

periférico vs Periferia

Periferia is the noun (the outskirts), while periférico is the adjective (peripheral) or a specific device/road.

periférico vs Externo

Externo means 'outside', while periférico specifically means 'on the edge/fringe'.

periférico vs Secundario

Secundario means 'less important', while periférico refers more to the physical or structural location.

Idioms & Expressions

"Quedarse en lo periférico"

— To focus only on superficial or secondary details.

Tu análisis se queda en lo periférico y no va al fondo.

Formal

"Estar en el periférico"

— Literally being on the road, but often implies being stuck in city chaos.

No llego, estoy en el periférico.

Informal (Mexico)

"Mirada periférica"

— Having a broad perspective or being aware of everything around.

Un buen líder necesita mirada periférica.

Metaphorical

"Vivir en el periférico"

— Spending too much time commuting on the ring road.

Parece que vivo en el periférico de tanto tráfico.

Slang/Exaggeration

"Periférico total"

— Someone or something completely irrelevant.

Ese comentario fue periférico total.

Informal

"Salirse por el periférico"

— To avoid the main point of a conversation (play on 'salirse por la tangente').

No te salgas por el periférico, responde la pregunta.

Informal

"Conexión periférica"

— A loose or weak connection between ideas.

Hay una conexión periférica entre ambos casos.

Academic

"Mente periférica"

— Someone who thinks outside the box or notices side details.

Tiene una mente periférica muy creativa.

Positive/Informal

"Ruido periférico"

— Background noise or distractions.

Ignora el ruido periférico y concéntrate.

Neutral

"Punto periférico"

— A minor point in an argument.

Ese es un punto periférico que no cambia nada.

Neutral

Easily Confused

periférico vs Periferia

Similar root and sound.

Periferia is the general area; periférico is the adjective or a technical noun.

Vivo en la periferia, cerca del periférico.

periférico vs Circunvalación

Both refer to roads around a city.

Circunvalación is the general/formal term; Periférico is a specific name in some countries.

La circunvalación se llama Periférico aquí.

periférico vs Accesorio

Both used for computer parts.

Periférico is more technical; accesorio is broader (covers cases, cables, etc.).

El ratón es un periférico; la funda es un accesorio.

periférico vs Marginal

Both mean 'on the edge'.

Marginal often implies poor or excluded; periférico is more neutral.

Es un barrio periférico, no necesariamente marginal.

periférico vs Externo

Both imply 'outside'.

Externo is 'outside a boundary'; periférico is 'on the boundary'.

Un disco externo es un periférico.

Sentence Patterns

El [periférico] es [adjective].

El periférico es nuevo.

Vivo en una [noun] [periférica].

Vivo en una calle periférica.

Hay mucho [noun] en el [periférico].

Hay mucho tráfico en el periférico.

Necesito [verb] el [periférico].

Necesito configurar el periférico.

Es un [noun] [periférico] a [noun].

Es un tema periférico a nuestra meta.

El [sistema] [periférico] es [adjective].

El sistema periférico es vital.

Debido a su [noun] [periférico]...

Debido a su carácter periférico, fue ignorado.

La [noun] se sitúa en un [plano] [periférico].

La trama se sitúa en un plano periférico.

Word Family

Nouns

periferia

periférico

Verbs

periferizar

Adjectives

periférico

periférica

centro

circunvalación

marginalidad

exterior

límite

How to Use It

frequency

High in tech and urban contexts; medium in general conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 'el periférico' for 'the outskirts' general area. → Vivo en la periferia.
Periférico is an adjective or a specific road/device. Periferia is the area.
Saying 'visión periférico'. → Visión periférica.
Visión is a feminine noun, so the adjective must be feminine.
Pronouncing it as 'pe-ri-fe-RI-co'. → pe-ri-FÉ-ri-co.
The stress is on the third-to-last syllable.
Writing it without the accent: 'periferico'. → periférico.
All esdrújula words in Spanish require a written accent.
Using 'periférico' for internal computer parts like RAM. → Componente interno.
Peripherals are by definition external/auxiliary.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always check if you are describing a masculine or feminine noun. 'Visión' is feminine, so it's 'visión periférica'.

Regional Use

If you are in Mexico, use 'El Periférico' for the highway. In Madrid, say 'La M-30' or 'circunvalación'.

Tech Talk

Use 'periférico' when you want to sound like a professional. 'Dispositivo' is okay, but 'periférico' is more precise for hardware.

The Stress

Don't forget the stress on the 'fé'. Practice saying it like a drumbeat: da-da-DUM-da-da.

The Accent

Always write the tilde. In Spanish, missing an accent on an esdrújula word is a significant spelling error.

Context Clues

If you hear 'periférico' in a traffic report, it's a road. In a store, it's a mouse. In a hospital, it's nerves.

Peri- = Around

Connect it to 'perimeter'. Both words start with 'peri' and deal with the outside edge.

Softening Criticism

Calling a problem 'periférico' is a polite way to say it's not important right now.

Academic Texts

Look for this word in sociology books. It's often used to describe global economic structures.

Podcast Tip

Listen to Mexican news podcasts; you'll hear 'periférico' mentioned almost every morning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Peripheral' device like a mouse. It's on the 'PERI' (perimeter) of your computer. 'PERI-FERI-CO'.

Visual Association

Picture a city with a giant ring road (the Periférico) and a computer with many cables coming out of it to 'peripherals'. Both are on the outside.

Word Web

Computer Mouse Keyboard Outskirts City Highway Nerves Vision

Challenge

Try to use 'periférico' in three different ways today: once for a gadget, once for a location, and once for a side-topic.

Word Origin

From the Late Latin 'periphericus', which comes from the Ancient Greek 'peripheria' (περφέρεια).

Original meaning: A carrying around, a circuit, or the circumference of a circle.

Indo-European (Greek root via Latin).

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling a neighborhood 'periférico' in Spain; sometimes it can imply it is far from services or neglected, though it is generally a neutral descriptive term.

English speakers use 'peripheral' mostly as an adjective or for computer parts. They rarely use it for roads, where they prefer 'beltway', 'ring road', or 'bypass'.

The 'Periférico' highway in Mexico City is featured in the film 'Amores Perros'. Academic texts on 'Dependencia' (Dependency Theory) often use 'países periféricos'. Instruction manuals for brands like Logitech or HP in Spanish.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Computing

Periférico de entrada
Conectar el periférico
Controlador del periférico
Periférico inalámbrico

Driving/Traffic

Tomar el periférico
Tráfico en el periférico
Salida del periférico
Anillo periférico

Medicine

Sistema nervioso periférico
Visión periférica
Circulación periférica
Nervios periféricos

Urban Planning

Zonas periféricas
Barrios periféricos
Desarrollo periférico
Vivienda periférica

General/Abstract

Tema periférico
Detalle periférico
Importancia periférica
Punto periférico

Conversation Starters

"¿Qué periféricos consideras esenciales para trabajar desde casa?"

"¿Prefieres vivir en el centro o en una zona periférica de la ciudad?"

"¿Cómo es el tráfico en el periférico de tu ciudad durante las horas pico?"

"¿Crees que los temas periféricos a veces distraen de lo importante en las noticias?"

"¿Has tenido alguna vez problemas de visión periférica al conducir?"

Journal Prompts

Describe los periféricos que tienes conectados a tu ordenador ahora mismo y por qué los usas.

Escribe sobre las ventajas y desventajas de vivir en un barrio periférico comparado con el centro.

Imagina que estás atrapado en el tráfico del periférico. ¿Qué ves a tu alrededor y cómo te sientes?

Reflexiona sobre un momento en el que te enfocaste en un detalle periférico y perdiste de vista el objetivo principal.

¿Cómo crees que el sistema nervioso periférico ayuda a los atletas en sus competiciones?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Como sustantivo (dispositivo o carretera), es masculino: el periférico. Como adjetivo, depende del sustantivo: el barrio periférico, la zona periférica.

Se dice simplemente 'periférico'. Es el término técnico estándar en todos los países de habla hispana.

Es una de las avenidas más importantes y largas de la Ciudad de México que rodea gran parte de la zona metropolitana.

Periferia es el sustantivo para 'outskirts'. Periférico es el adjetivo. 'Vivo en la periferia' vs 'Es una zona periférica'.

Sí, pero principalmente como adjetivo (barrios periféricos) o en informática. Para la carretera, suelen decir 'circunvalación' o 'ronda'.

Lleva tilde en la segunda 'e' porque es una palabra esdrújula: pe-ri-fé-ri-co.

Generalmente no, a menos que sea metafórico, como decir que alguien tiene un 'papel periférico' (un rol secundario) en un grupo.

Es la capacidad de ver objetos y movimientos fuera de la línea directa de visión, es decir, 'por el rabillo del ojo'.

Los más comunes son el teclado, el ratón, el escáner y el micrófono.

Los más comunes son el monitor, la impresora y los altavoces.