A2 verb Neutral 2 min read

programar

/pɾo.ɣɾa.ˈmaɾ/

To write computer code or to schedule an event.

Programar means to either write code for technology or to schedule an event in time.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • To write code for computers or software applications.
  • To schedule or set a time for an event.
  • To configure a device to perform a task automatically.

Summary

Programar means to either write code for technology or to schedule an event in time.

  • To write code for computers or software applications.
  • To schedule or set a time for an event.
  • To configure a device to perform a task automatically.

Think of scheduling as setting a clock

Whenever you see 'programar' in a daily context, imagine setting a clock or an alarm. This helps bridge the gap between technical coding and simple scheduling.

Do not confuse with 'planear'

Avoid using 'programar' when you mean 'dreaming' or 'strategizing'. Use it only when there is a specific time or technical sequence involved.

The rise of tech in Spanish

In modern Spanish-speaking countries, 'programar' is the standard term for coding. It is widely used in both professional tech hubs and casual conversation.

Examples

4 of 4
1

Tengo que programar la alarma a las siete.

I have to set the alarm for seven.

2

El equipo debe programar la entrega del proyecto.

The team must schedule the project delivery.

3

¿Quieres programar una salida al cine este fin de semana?

Do you want to plan a trip to the cinema this weekend?

4

Es necesario programar el script para automatizar los datos.

It is necessary to code the script to automate the data.

Word Family

Noun
programador
Verb
programar
Adjective
programable

Memory Tip

Think of 'Program' (like a TV program) that is scheduled at a specific time. Or think of a computer 'Pro-gram' (a professional grammar for computers).

Resumen

'Programar' es un verbo versátil en español que abarca tanto el ámbito tecnológico como el de la planificación. Derivado de la necesidad de estructurar acciones, se ha convertido en un término fundamental en nuestra vida cotidiana, ya sea al escribir código o al coordinar nuestra agenda personal. 2) Patrones de uso: Es un verbo transitivo, lo que significa que suele requerir un objeto directo. Podemos programar algo (una reunión, una alarma, un software) o programar a alguien (menos común, pero usado en contextos de entrenamiento o condicionamiento). A menudo se construye con infinitivos cuando se refiere a acciones futuras: 'Programamos salir a las ocho'. 3) Contextos comunes: En el mundo laboral, es omnipresente: se programan juntas, viajes de negocios y entregas de proyectos. En el ámbito informático, es el término técnico por excelencia para el desarrollo de software. En el hogar, lo usamos constantemente: programar la lavadora, el termostato o la grabación de un programa de televisión. 4) Comparación con palabras similares: A diferencia de 'planear', que enfatiza la intención o la estrategia, 'programar' implica una acción más mecánica o técnica de fijar una fecha o proceso. Mientras que 'diseñar' se enfoca en la estructura creativa, 'programar' se enfoca en la ejecución lógica y el ordenamiento temporal.

Usage Notes

Programar is neutral in register but leans toward professional or technical contexts. It is used equally in Spain and Latin America. Ensure you use the correct preposition if needed, though it is usually followed directly by the object.

Common Mistakes

Beginners sometimes use 'programar' as a synonym for 'planning a dream' or 'imagining'. Remember it always implies a concrete action or time. Also, don't forget the 'a' when using the periphrasis 'ir a programar'.

Memory Tip

Think of 'Program' (like a TV program) that is scheduled at a specific time. Or think of a computer 'Pro-gram' (a professional grammar for computers).

Word Origin

From the Greek 'programma', meaning a public notice or written order. It entered Spanish through Latin, evolving from a written notice to a scheduled task or computer code.

Cultural Context

The word has gained significant cultural weight due to the digital revolution. In many Spanish-speaking countries, 'programación' is a highly sought-after skill in the job market.

Examples

1

Tengo que programar la alarma a las siete.

everyday

I have to set the alarm for seven.

2

El equipo debe programar la entrega del proyecto.

formal

The team must schedule the project delivery.

3

¿Quieres programar una salida al cine este fin de semana?

informal

Do you want to plan a trip to the cinema this weekend?

4

Es necesario programar el script para automatizar los datos.

academic

It is necessary to code the script to automate the data.

Word Family

Noun
programador
Verb
programar
Adjective
programable

Common Collocations

programar una cita to schedule an appointment
programar una reunión to schedule a meeting
programar software to code software

Common Phrases

programar una visita

to schedule a visit

estar programado

to be scheduled

programar el sistema

to program the system

Often Confused With

programar vs planear

Planear refers to the act of thinking and creating a strategy. Programar is the act of setting the specific time or technical steps.

programar vs diseñar

Diseñar focuses on the visual or structural blueprint of something. Programar focuses on the logical execution or the timing.

Grammar Patterns

programar + objeto directo programar + para + infinitivo ir a + programar

Think of scheduling as setting a clock

Whenever you see 'programar' in a daily context, imagine setting a clock or an alarm. This helps bridge the gap between technical coding and simple scheduling.

Do not confuse with 'planear'

Avoid using 'programar' when you mean 'dreaming' or 'strategizing'. Use it only when there is a specific time or technical sequence involved.

The rise of tech in Spanish

In modern Spanish-speaking countries, 'programar' is the standard term for coding. It is widely used in both professional tech hubs and casual conversation.

Test Yourself

fill blank

Completa la frase con la forma correcta.

Mañana voy a ___ la reunión con el cliente.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: programar

Se necesita el infinitivo después de 'voy a'.

multiple choice

Elige el significado correcto.

¿Qué significa 'programar la alarma'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Configurar la hora de activación

Programar implica establecer un tiempo para una acción.

sentence building

Ordena la frase.

programar / el / vamos / ordenador / a

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Vamos a programar el ordenador

Estructura correcta: Sujeto + verbo + a + infinitivo + objeto.

Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

Planear implica pensar en los pasos y la estrategia general de un objetivo. Programar es el paso concreto de asignar una fecha, hora o secuencia técnica a esas acciones.

En un sentido literal, no. Sin embargo, en contextos figurados o psicológicos, puede implicar condicionar a alguien para que actúe de cierta manera.

Sí, 'programar' es un verbo regular terminado en -ar. Sigue la conjugación estándar para todos los tiempos verbales.

Significa configurar los ajustes del aparato para que realice una función automáticamente en un momento determinado. Por ejemplo, programar el horno para que se encienda solo.

This Word in Other Languages

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