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tecnología

A2 noun #500 most common 12 min read

tecnología

Top 500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips tecnología in 30 Seconds

Explanation tecnología in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'tecnología' is introduced as a basic noun to describe the gadgets and tools that students use every day. Learners at this stage focus on simple sentences like 'Me gusta la tecnología' (I like technology) or 'La tecnología es importante' (Technology is important). The emphasis is on recognizing the word and associating it with familiar objects like mobile phones (móviles/celulares) and computers (ordenadores/computadoras). Students learn that it is a feminine noun, which is a fundamental grammar point in Spanish. They might also learn simple adjectives to describe it, such as 'nueva' (new) or 'buena' (good). The goal is to build a foundation where the student can identify technology as a part of their daily life and express basic opinions about it. Vocabulary building often involves linking 'tecnología' with common verbs like 'usar' (to use) and 'tener' (to have). For example, 'Yo uso la tecnología para estudiar' (I use technology to study). This level avoids complex philosophical or technical discussions, focusing instead on the immediate and practical presence of technology in the learner's environment. It is also a good time to practice the pronunciation of the 'g' and the accent on the 'í', which are characteristic of Spanish phonetics. By the end of A1, a student should be comfortable using 'tecnología' in short, present-tense sentences to describe their personal relationship with modern tools.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'tecnología' in more varied contexts and with a wider range of grammatical structures. They move beyond simple descriptions to talk about how technology affects their routines and the world around them. Students at this stage can use the past tense to describe how things were before certain technologies existed, such as 'Antes no teníamos esta tecnología' (Before we didn't have this technology). They also start to learn common collocations like 'tecnología de la información' or 'tecnología punta'. The A2 level introduces more specific vocabulary related to technology, such as 'dispositivos' (devices) and 'redes sociales' (social networks). Learners are expected to handle basic comparisons, like 'La tecnología de hoy es mejor que la de ayer' (Today's technology is better than yesterday's). They also begin to explore the role of technology in different sectors, such as education or health, using simple connectors like 'porque' (because) and 'pero' (but). For instance, 'La tecnología es buena porque nos ayuda, pero a veces es difícil de usar' (Technology is good because it helps us, but sometimes it is difficult to use). This level also reinforces the correct use of articles and gender agreement in more complex sentences. Students might also be introduced to the plural 'las tecnologías' and the acronym 'TIC'. The focus remains practical but starts to incorporate more social and functional aspects of the word.

At the B1 level, students can engage in more detailed discussions about the pros and cons of technology. They are able to express opinions, hopes, and doubts using the subjunctive mood, which is a key milestone at this level. For example, 'Espero que la tecnología ayude a proteger el medio ambiente' (I hope that technology helps to protect the environment). Learners can describe technological processes in more detail and talk about the impact of technology on society, such as the 'brecha digital' (digital divide) or 'adicción a la tecnología' (technology addiction). They use a broader range of tenses, including the future and conditional, to speculate about technological advancements: 'En el futuro, la tecnología será aún más avanzada' (In the future, technology will be even more advanced). Vocabulary becomes more specialized, including terms like 'desarrollo' (development), 'innovación' (innovation), and 'herramientas' (tools). B1 learners can also participate in debates about technology in the workplace or in schools, providing arguments and counter-arguments. They are expected to understand longer texts about technology in newspapers or magazines and summarize the main points. The focus shifts from personal use to a more societal perspective, requiring a more nuanced understanding of how 'tecnología' functions as a concept. Students also learn to use 'tecnología' in idiomatic expressions and more formal registers, such as in a professional email or a short essay.

At the B2 level, learners are expected to have a high degree of fluency when discussing 'tecnología'. They can understand complex technical texts and follow detailed arguments on technological ethics, policy, and global trends. At this stage, students use 'tecnología' with precision, distinguishing it from 'técnica' or 'ciencia' as appropriate. They can use advanced grammatical structures to express complex ideas, such as 'Si no fuera por la tecnología, la pandemia habría sido mucho más difícil de gestionar' (If it weren't for technology, the pandemic would have been much harder to manage). Vocabulary is rich and includes terms like 'disruptivo' (disruptive), 'obsoleto' (obsolete), 'sostenibilidad' (sustainability), and 'vanguardia' (vanguard). B2 learners can give clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of technological subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. They are familiar with the role of technology in the economy and can discuss 'transferencia de tecnología' or 'patentes' (patents). Their pronunciation is natural, and they correctly handle the hiatus in 'tecnología'. They can also write well-structured reports or essays on technological topics, using appropriate linking words and a variety of sentence structures. The focus at B2 is on the ability to interact with native speakers on technical and abstract topics without strain for either party.

At the C1 level, the learner's use of 'tecnología' is sophisticated and nuanced. They can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning in discussions about technology. C1 students can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They use 'tecnología' in academic and professional contexts with ease, discussing topics like 'determinismo tecnológico' (technological determinism) or the 'ética de la inteligencia artificial' (ethics of artificial intelligence). Their vocabulary is extensive, allowing them to use synonyms and related terms to avoid repetition and to convey precise shades of meaning. They can produce clear, well-structured, and detailed text on complex technological subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices. At this level, students can also appreciate the cultural and historical nuances of technology in the Spanish-speaking world, such as the impact of Spanish engineering in global infrastructure projects. They can engage in high-level debates, critiquing technological advancements from philosophical, sociological, and economic perspectives. The use of the word 'tecnología' becomes a vehicle for expressing deep insights into the human condition and the future of civilization. C1 learners are also adept at using the word in various registers, from highly formal academic papers to witty, informal commentary on tech trends.

At the C2 level, the learner has a complete mastery of the word 'tecnología' and its place in the Spanish language. They can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read regarding technology, even in highly specialized or obscure contexts. C2 students can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex technological situations. They can discuss the most abstract and theoretical aspects of technology, such as its ontological status or its role in the 'posthumanismo' (post-humanism) debate. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, incorporating subtle cultural references and idiomatic nuances. They can write complex technical manuals, philosophical treatises, or persuasive policy papers where 'tecnología' is a central theme. At this level, the learner can also play with the language, using 'tecnología' in metaphors, irony, and creative writing. They have a deep understanding of the etymological roots and the historical evolution of the term in Spanish, and they can navigate the most specialized jargon of various technological fields (e.g., nanotechnology, aerospace, cybernetics) with total confidence. The word 'tecnología' is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for profound intellectual engagement with the world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

tecnología in 30 Seconds

A feminine noun meaning technology, used for tools and scientific applications.
Always use the definite article 'la' when speaking about technology in general.
Commonly associated with computers but applies to all fields of practical science.
Pronounced with a hard 'h' sound for the 'g' and an accent on the 'í'.

The Spanish word tecnología is a feminine noun that encompasses much more than just computers and smartphones. At its core, it refers to the systematic application of scientific and organized knowledge to practical tasks. In the Spanish-speaking world, this term is used across a vast spectrum of human activity, from the ancient irrigation systems developed by the Moors in the Iberian Peninsula to the cutting-edge aerospace engineering projects in modern-day Argentina or Spain. When you use the word tecnología, you are referring to the tools, techniques, and processes that humans create to solve problems and extend their capabilities. It is a word that bridges the gap between abstract science and daily life. In contemporary conversation, it is most frequently associated with digital advancements, but a Spanish speaker might just as easily use it to discuss agricultural methods or medical procedures. The term is deeply embedded in the narrative of progress and modernization that has characterized Spanish-speaking societies over the last century. Understanding tecnología requires recognizing its role as a catalyst for social change, economic development, and cultural evolution.

Historical Context: The evolution of the word in Spanish mirrors the global industrial and digital revolutions, transitioning from mechanical descriptions to information-based definitions.
Social Impact: In Latin America, technology is often discussed in the context of the 'brecha digital' or digital divide, highlighting the socio-economic implications of access to modern tools.
Academic Scope: In universities, 'tecnología' is a broad field of study that includes everything from civil engineering to biotechnology and food science.

La tecnología moderna ha transformado la manera en que nos comunicamos con nuestros seres queridos en todo el mundo.

Furthermore, the word is often used in the plural form, las tecnologías, particularly when referring to 'las nuevas tecnologías' (the new technologies). This pluralization emphasizes the diversity of fields involved, such as Information and Communication Technologies (TICs). In a professional setting, you will hear it in discussions about 'transferencia de tecnología' (technology transfer), which is the process of sharing skills, knowledge, and manufacturing methods among governments or universities and other institutions. In everyday life, people talk about 'tecnología punta' to describe something that is state-of-the-art or at the absolute cutting edge of development. Whether you are discussing the latest mobile application or the engineering behind a high-speed train like the AVE in Spain, tecnología is the essential noun to describe the human ingenuity applied to the physical world.

Es fascinante ver cómo la tecnología agrícola puede mejorar el rendimiento de las cosechas en zonas áridas.

Muchos expertos creen que la tecnología de cadena de bloques revolucionará el sector financiero global.

La dependencia excesiva de la tecnología puede tener efectos negativos en nuestras habilidades sociales básicas.

Invertir en tecnología educativa es fundamental para el futuro de los estudiantes en el siglo veintiuno.

Using tecnología correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a feminine noun and its common collocations. Because it is an abstract concept that can also refer to specific sets of tools, its usage varies depending on whether you are speaking generally or specifically. When speaking generally, you almost always include the definite article la. For example, 'La tecnología es útil' (Technology is useful). Unlike English, where we often omit the article for general concepts, Spanish requires it. When describing the quality of technology, adjectives follow the noun and must be feminine. Common pairings include tecnología avanzada (advanced technology), tecnología obsoleta (obsolete technology), and tecnología sostenible (sustainable technology). The verb choice is also critical; you 'desarrollas' (develop), 'implementas' (implement), 'usas' (use), or 'aprovechas' (take advantage of) technology.

Subject of the Sentence: When 'tecnología' is the subject, it often drives the action: 'La tecnología facilita el trabajo diario'.
Object of a Preposition: It frequently follows 'con' or 'mediante': 'Se resolvió el problema mediante el uso de la tecnología'.
Adjectival Phrases: Use 'de tecnología' to modify other nouns: 'una empresa de tecnología' (a technology company).

Nuestra empresa se especializa en la tecnología de la información para mejorar la eficiencia operativa.

In more complex sentence structures, tecnología can be part of compound subjects or objects. For instance, 'La ciencia y la tecnología caminan de la mano' (Science and technology walk hand in hand). It is also common to see it in the plural when referring to different branches of technology: 'Las tecnologías de la comunicación han acortado las distancias'. When writing formally, you might use the word to discuss 'el avance tecnológico' (technological advancement), where the adjective form tecnológico is used to modify a masculine noun like avance. In contrast, in informal settings, you might hear 'lo último en tecnología' to refer to the latest gadgets. The versatility of the word allows it to function in academic, professional, and casual contexts with ease, provided the gender and article rules are respected.

El gobierno está invirtiendo millones en tecnología espacial para lanzar su primer satélite propio.

Sin la tecnología adecuada, es imposible competir en el mercado global actual.

La tecnología vestible, como los relojes inteligentes, es cada vez más popular entre los jóvenes.

Debemos aprender a desconectarnos de la tecnología para disfrutar de la naturaleza y el silencio.

You will encounter the word tecnología in almost every facet of modern Spanish life. In the news, it is a staple of the 'Economía' or 'Ciencia' sections. News anchors frequently discuss how 'la tecnología influye en la bolsa' (technology influences the stock market) or report on 'ferias de tecnología' (technology fairs) like the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. In the workplace, particularly in offices, the word is ubiquitous. You might hear a colleague say, 'Tenemos que actualizar nuestra tecnología' (We need to update our technology) or 'La tecnología nos está fallando hoy' (The technology is failing us today). In educational settings, teachers and students discuss 'tecnología educativa' and the use of 'TICs' (Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación) in the classroom. This acronym is so common in Spanish education that it has become a word in its own right.

In the Media: Tech blogs like Xataka or the technology supplements of major newspapers like El País are primary sources for this word.
In Advertising: Car commercials and smartphone ads constantly use 'tecnología' to signal innovation and quality.
In Government: Ministries of 'Ciencia e Innovación' often have departments dedicated specifically to 'Tecnología'.

Bienvenidos a nuestro podcast sobre las últimas tendencias en tecnología y gadgets.

Socially, the word comes up when people talk about their hobbies or lifestyle. A friend might describe themselves as a 'fanático de la tecnología' (a tech enthusiast). In discussions about the future, you will hear people express both hope and concern: 'La tecnología salvará el planeta' (Technology will save the planet) or 'La tecnología nos está alejando' (Technology is distancing us). In Spanish-speaking countries with strong agricultural sectors, like Mexico or Chile, the word is also heard in the context of 'tecnología de riego' (irrigation technology) or 'biotecnología'. It is a word that spans from the most sophisticated urban environments to the most practical rural applications. Even in casual conversation, if someone's phone is acting up, they might jokingly blame 'la maldita tecnología' (the cursed technology), showing how the word has permeated even the most informal registers of the language.

¿Has visto la nueva tecnología que usan en los estadios de fútbol para el VAR?

La tecnología de reconocimiento facial está generando muchos debates sobre la privacidad.

En la universidad, estudio ingeniería con un enfoque especial en tecnología de materiales.

La tecnología asistiva ayuda a las personas con discapacidad a llevar una vida más independiente.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with tecnología is related to its gender. In English, 'technology' is neuter, but in Spanish, it is strictly feminine. This means you must say la tecnología and not el tecnología. Furthermore, any adjectives modifying it must also be feminine. Saying 'tecnología avanzado' instead of 'tecnología avanzada' is a common error that immediately signals a non-native speaker. Another significant pitfall is the omission of the definite article when speaking in general terms. While in English we say 'Technology is changing the world', in Spanish you must say 'La tecnología está cambiando el mundo'. Forgetting the 'la' makes the sentence sound incomplete or grammatically 'naked' to a native ear.

Gender Agreement: Mistake: 'El tecnología es caro'. Correct: 'La tecnología es cara'.
Spelling and Accents: Mistake: 'Tecnologia' (missing the accent). Correct: 'Tecnología'. The accent is vital for correct pronunciation.
False Friends: Don't confuse 'tecnología' with 'técnica'. While related, 'técnica' refers more to a specific skill or method.

Es un error pensar que la tecnología puede resolver todos los problemas humanos sin ética.

Pronunciation also presents a challenge. The 'g' in tecnología is followed by an 'i', which in Spanish produces a voiceless velar fricative sound (/x/), similar to a strong 'h'. English speakers often try to pronounce it like the 'g' in 'technology' or 'magic', which is incorrect. Additionally, the accent on the 'í' creates a hiatus, meaning the 'i' and the 'a' are pronounced as two separate syllables (tek-no-lo-JÍ-a). Many learners mistakenly try to blend them into a diphthong. Lastly, be careful with the word técnico. While it sounds like 'technology', it usually means 'technician' or 'technical'. If you want to say 'tech company', use 'empresa tecnológica' or 'empresa de tecnología', not 'empresa técnica', which would imply a company that provides technical services rather than one that develops technology.

No digas 'el tecnología'; recuerda que todas las palabras que terminan en -logía son femeninas.

Mucha gente confunde la tecnología con la ciencia, aunque son conceptos diferentes pero relacionados.

Asegúrate de poner el acento en la 'í' de tecnología para que la pronunciación sea correcta.

Evita usar 'tecnología' cuando en realidad te refieres a un 'aparato' o 'dispositivo' específico.

While tecnología is the most general term, Spanish offers several alternatives depending on the specific context. If you are talking about the field of computers and data, informática (computer science/IT) is often more precise. For example, 'Estudio informática' sounds more natural than 'Estudio tecnología' if you are specifically learning to code. Another related word is técnica, which refers to the specific method or skill used to perform a task. While tecnología is the study and application of knowledge, técnica is the 'how-to'. In industrial contexts, you might use maquinaria (machinery) or ingeniería (engineering) to describe the physical or structural aspects of a technological system.

Tecnología vs. Informática: 'Tecnología' is broad (biotech, nanotech); 'Informática' is specific to computers and software.
Tecnología vs. Técnica: 'Tecnología' is the organized body of knowledge; 'Técnica' is the individual skill or procedure.
Innovación: Often used as a synonym in business contexts to describe the result of applying new technology.

La informática es solo una rama de la vasta tecnología moderna que usamos hoy.

In business, innovación (innovation) and I+D (Investigación y Desarrollo - R&D) are frequently used alongside tecnología. If you want to sound more sophisticated, you might use vanguardia (vanguard/cutting edge) to describe technological progress. For example, 'una empresa a la vanguardia' is a company at the forefront of technology. When referring to the physical objects themselves, words like dispositivos (devices), aparatos (gadgets/appliances), or herramientas (tools) are more specific. Instead of saying 'Tengo mucha tecnología en mi casa', it is more common to say 'Tengo muchos dispositivos electrónicos'. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the word that best fits your meaning, whether you are discussing the philosophical implications of progress or just talking about your new phone.

El dominio de la técnica es esencial para cualquier artesano, independientemente de la tecnología que use.

La biotecnología está abriendo nuevas fronteras en el tratamiento de enfermedades genéticas.

Necesitamos más innovación para resolver el problema del cambio climático de manera efectiva.

El departamento de ingeniería está revisando los planos del nuevo puente tecnológico.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"La implementación de nueva tecnología es imperativa para el desarrollo nacional."

Neutral

"La tecnología ha mejorado mucho en los últimos años."

Informal

"¡Qué pasada de tecnología tiene este móvil!"

Child friendly

"La tecnología son las herramientas mágicas que nos ayudan a aprender."

Slang

"Este bicho tiene una tecnología que flipas."

Fun Fact

The word 'tecnología' didn't enter common Spanish usage until the 18th century; before that, people used 'artes' or 'oficios' to describe similar concepts.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tek.no.lo.ˈxi.a/

US /tek.no.lo.ˈxi.a/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable 'gí' because of the written accent.

Rhymes With

guía día alegría fría todavía biología psicología energía

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' like an English 'j'.
Blending the 'ía' into one syllable (diphthong) instead of two (hiatus).
Forgetting the written accent on the 'í'.
Pronouncing the 't' with a puff of air (aspiration).
Making the 'o' sounds like 'oh' instead of a pure Spanish 'o'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is a cognate, making it very easy to recognize for English speakers.

Writing 3/5

The accent on the 'í' and the feminine gender are the main hurdles.

Speaking 4/5

The Spanish 'g' sound (/x/) is difficult for many beginners to master.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in context due to its similarity to English.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ciencia máquina herramienta nuevo usar

Learn Next

informática dispositivo red digital innovación

Advanced

obsolescencia disruptivo vanguardia cibernética biotecnología

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -ía are almost always feminine.

la tecnología, la geografía, la economía

General concepts require the definite article in Spanish.

La tecnología (Technology) es útil.

The accent on 'ía' creates a hiatus, not a diphthong.

tec-no-lo-gí-a (5 syllables)

Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun.

tecnologías avanzadas

The preposition 'en' is used for 'experts in'.

experto en tecnología

Examples by Level

La tecnología es muy importante en mi vida.

Technology is very important in my life.

Uses the definite article 'la' for a general concept.

Yo uso la tecnología para hablar con mi familia.

I use technology to talk to my family.

'Uso' is the first person singular of the verb 'usar'.

¿Te gusta la tecnología?

Do you like technology?

Standard question structure with 'gustar'.

Mi hermano estudia tecnología en la escuela.

My brother studies technology at school.

'Estudia' is the third person singular of 'estudiar'.

La tecnología de mi teléfono es nueva.

My phone's technology is new.

'Nueva' is feminine to match 'tecnología'.

No comprendo esta tecnología.

I don't understand this technology.

'Esta' is a feminine demonstrative adjective.

Hay mucha tecnología en la oficina.

There is a lot of technology in the office.

'Mucha' matches the feminine 'tecnología'.

La tecnología ayuda a las personas.

Technology helps people.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

La tecnología ha cambiado mucho en diez años.

Technology has changed a lot in ten years.

Uses the present perfect 'ha cambiado'.

Antes, la tecnología era más simple.

Before, technology was simpler.

Uses the imperfect tense 'era' for descriptions in the past.

Queremos comprar tecnología punta para la casa.

We want to buy cutting-edge technology for the house.

'Tecnología punta' is a common collocation for 'cutting-edge'.

La tecnología nos permite trabajar desde cualquier lugar.

Technology allows us to work from anywhere.

'Nos permite' uses the indirect object pronoun 'nos'.

Es necesario aprender sobre la nueva tecnología.

It is necessary to learn about the new technology.

'Es necesario' is followed by an infinitive.

Mi abuelo no usa mucha tecnología.

My grandfather doesn't use much technology.

Negative sentence with 'no'.

La tecnología médica salva muchas vidas cada día.

Medical technology saves many lives every day.

'Médica' is an adjective modifying 'tecnología'.

¿Cuál es tu tecnología favorita?

What is your favorite technology?

'Favorita' must be feminine.

Dudo que la tecnología pueda resolver todos los problemas.

I doubt that technology can solve all problems.

Requires the subjunctive 'pueda' after 'dudo que'.

Si tuviera más dinero, invertiría en tecnología verde.

If I had more money, I would invest in technology green.

Second conditional: 'si tuviera' (imperfect subjunctive) + 'invertiría' (conditional).

La brecha digital es un problema de acceso a la tecnología.

The digital divide is a problem of access to technology.

'Brecha digital' is a key sociological term.

Espero que la tecnología siga avanzando rápidamente.

I hope that technology continues to advance rapidly.

'Espero que' triggers the subjunctive 'siga'.

La tecnología ha facilitado la comunicación global.

Technology has facilitated global communication.

Present perfect 'ha facilitado'.

Mucha gente tiene adicción a la tecnología moderna.

Many people have an addiction to modern technology.

'Adicción a' is the standard prepositional phrase.

Debemos usar la tecnología de manera responsable.

We must use technology in a responsible manner.

'De manera responsable' is an adverbial phrase.

La tecnología educativa es clave en las escuelas actuales.

Educational technology is key in today's schools.

'Actuales' modifies 'escuelas'.

A pesar de los avances, la tecnología aún tiene límites.

Despite the advances, technology still has limits.

'A pesar de' is a common concessive connector.

La tecnología disruptiva está cambiando el mercado laboral.

Disruptive technology is changing the labor market.

'Disruptiva' is a high-level adjective.

Es fundamental que las empresas se adapten a la tecnología.

It is fundamental that companies adapt to technology.

'Es fundamental que' triggers the subjunctive 'se adapten'.

La tecnología de cadena de bloques ofrece mucha seguridad.

Blockchain technology offers a lot of security.

'Cadena de bloques' is the translation for blockchain.

Se requiere una gran inversión en tecnología espacial.

A large investment in space technology is required.

Passive 'se' construction.

La obsolescencia programada afecta a la tecnología actual.

Planned obsolescence affects current technology.

'Obsolescencia programada' is a specific technical term.

La tecnología ha permitido el desarrollo de energías limpias.

Technology has allowed the development of clean energies.

'Permitido' is the past participle of 'permitir'.

¿Cómo influye la tecnología en nuestra privacidad?

How does technology influence our privacy?

Interrogative 'cómo' with an accent.

La convergencia tecnológica plantea dilemas éticos profundos.

Technological convergence poses deep ethical dilemmas.

'Plantea' is a formal verb for 'to pose' or 'to raise'.

La tecnología no es neutra; refleja los valores de sus creadores.

Technology is not neutral; it reflects the values of its creators.

Semicolon used to link related independent clauses.

Resulta imperativo legislar sobre la tecnología de vigilancia.

It is imperative to legislate on surveillance technology.

'Resulta imperativo' is a formal, academic structure.

La tecnología ha exacerbado las desigualdades preexistentes.

Technology has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities.

'Exacerbado' is a high-level verb for 'made worse'.

El impacto de la tecnología en la psique humana es vasto.

The impact of technology on the human psyche is vast.

'Psique' is a sophisticated term for 'psyche'.

Abogamos por una tecnología que priorice el bienestar humano.

We advocate for a technology that prioritizes human well-being.

'Abogamos por' means 'we advocate for'.

La tecnología de edición genética es un arma de doble filo.

Gene editing technology is a double-edged sword.

'Arma de doble filo' is a common idiom.

La soberanía tecnológica es un objetivo estratégico nacional.

Technological sovereignty is a national strategic objective.

'Soberanía' is a formal political term.

La tecnocracia delega el poder en expertos en tecnología.

Technocracy delegates power to technology experts.

'Tecnocracia' is a sophisticated political concept.

La tecnología es el 'gestell' que encuadra nuestra realidad.

Technology is the 'gestell' that frames our reality.

Reference to Heideggerian philosophy.

La omnipresencia de la tecnología diluye la frontera entre lo público y lo privado.

The omnipresence of technology blurs the boundary between public and private.

'Omnipresencia' and 'diluye' are high-level terms.

Asistimos a una metamorfosis social impulsada por la tecnología.

We are witnessing a social metamorphosis driven by technology.

'Asistimos a' is used here to mean 'we are witnessing'.

La tecnología subyace a todas las estructuras de poder contemporáneas.

Technology underlies all contemporary power structures.

'Subyace' is a formal verb meaning 'to underlie'.

El determinismo tecnológico es una visión reduccionista del progreso.

Technological determinism is a reductionist view of progress.

'Reduccionista' is a critical academic term.

La tecnología ha propiciado una reconfiguración de la identidad.

Technology has fostered a reconfiguration of identity.

'Propiciado' means 'fostered' or 'brought about'.

La singularidad tecnológica representa un hito hipotético incierto.

The technological singularity represents an uncertain hypothetical milestone.

'Hito' means 'milestone' or 'landmark'.

Common Collocations

tecnología punta

tecnología de la información

tecnología avanzada

tecnología obsoleta

tecnología verde

tecnología educativa

tecnología espacial

tecnología móvil

transferencia de tecnología

brecha tecnológica

Common Phrases

lo último en tecnología

— The latest in technology. Used to describe the newest gadgets.

Este móvil es lo último en tecnología.

gracias a la tecnología

— Thanks to technology. Used to explain how something was made possible.

Gracias a la tecnología, podemos viajar rápido.

depender de la tecnología

— To depend on technology. Used to describe reliance on digital tools.

Hoy en día, dependemos de la tecnología.

avances en tecnología

— Advances in technology. Used in news and academic contexts.

Hay muchos avances en tecnología médica.

sector de la tecnología

— Technology sector. Used in business and economics.

El sector de la tecnología está creciendo.

feria de tecnología

— Technology fair. An event where new tech is shown.

Voy a la feria de tecnología en Madrid.

expertos en tecnología

— Technology experts. People who know a lot about tech.

Los expertos en tecnología recomiendan este software.

uso de la tecnología

— Use of technology. The act of using technological tools.

El uso de la tecnología en clase es bueno.

invertir en tecnología

— To invest in technology. Putting money into tech development.

Es bueno invertir en tecnología.

maldita tecnología

— Cursed technology. Used jokingly when a device fails.

¡Maldita tecnología! Mi ordenador no funciona.

Often Confused With

tecnología vs técnica

Técnica is the specific skill; tecnología is the broader application of knowledge.

tecnología vs informática

Informática is specifically about computers; tecnología includes all practical sciences.

tecnología vs aparato

Aparato is the physical device; tecnología is the system or knowledge behind it.

Idioms & Expressions

"estar a la última"

— To be up to date with the latest trends, often tech-related.

A Juan le encanta estar a la última con sus gadgets.

informal

"ser un hacha en tecnología"

— To be an expert or very skilled in technology.

Mi sobrino es un hacha en tecnología.

informal

"quedarse atrás"

— To fall behind, often used when someone doesn't keep up with tech.

Si no aprendes a usar internet, te vas a quedar atrás.

neutral

"abrir camino"

— To blaze a trail, often used for technological pioneers.

Esta empresa abrió camino en la tecnología solar.

neutral

"dar el salto"

— To take the leap, often used when upgrading to new technology.

Por fin di el salto a la tecnología digital.

informal

"ponerse las pilas"

— To get one's act together, often used for learning new tech.

Tienes que ponerte las pilas con la nueva tecnología.

informal

"ir como un tiro"

— To go very fast or work perfectly, often said of fast tech.

Mi nuevo ordenador va como un tiro.

slang

"estar en la onda"

— To be 'in the loop' or trendy, including tech trends.

Para estar en la onda, necesitas este reloj.

informal

"romper moldes"

— To break the mold, used for revolutionary technology.

Esta tecnología rompió moldes en la industria.

formal

"caer en saco roto"

— To fall on deaf ears, used when tech warnings are ignored.

Sus avisos sobre la tecnología cayeron en saco roto.

neutral

Easily Confused

tecnología vs técnico

Sounds like technology.

Técnico means technician (person) or technical (adjective).

El técnico arregló mi ordenador.

tecnología vs tecnicismo

Related root.

A tecnicismo is a technical term or jargon.

Su discurso estaba lleno de tecnicismos.

tecnología vs tecnificar

Verb form.

To introduce technology into a process.

Queremos tecnificar el campo.

tecnología vs tecnócrata

Political context.

A person who exercises power based on technical knowledge.

El ministro es un tecnócrata.

tecnología vs tecnológico

Adjective form.

Used to describe things related to technology.

El avance tecnológico es constante.

Sentence Patterns

La tecnología es [adjective].

La tecnología es buena.

Uso la tecnología para [infinitive].

Uso la tecnología para aprender.

Espero que la tecnología [subjunctive].

Espero que la tecnología ayude.

Si tuviera [noun], compraría tecnología.

Si tuviera dinero, compraría tecnología.

La tecnología permite que [subjunctive].

La tecnología permite que trabajemos mejor.

A pesar de la tecnología, [clause].

A pesar de la tecnología, todavía hay problemas.

El impacto de la tecnología en [noun] es [adjective].

El impacto de la tecnología en la sociedad es profundo.

La tecnología subyace a [noun].

La tecnología subyace a la economía moderna.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Spanish.

Common Mistakes

el tecnología → la tecnología
'Tecnología' is a feminine noun. All nouns ending in '-logía' are feminine.
tecnologia → tecnología
The written accent on the 'í' is required to mark the stress and the hiatus.
tecnología avanzado → tecnología avanzada
Adjectives must agree in gender with the feminine noun 'tecnología'.
Tecnología es importante. → La tecnología es importante.
General concepts in Spanish require the definite article 'la'.
empresa técnica → empresa de tecnología
'Técnica' refers to a skill or method; 'tecnología' refers to the field or application of science.

Tips

Master the 'G'

Practice the sound by clearing your throat slightly. It should sound like the 'ch' in 'Bach' or 'loch'. This is key for sounding native.

Don't Forget the 'La'

When talking about technology in general, always say 'La tecnología'. English speakers often forget this because we don't use 'the' in this context.

Use 'Tecnología Punta'

To describe something as cutting-edge, use 'tecnología punta'. It sounds much more natural than literal translations of 'cutting-edge'.

Accent Accuracy

Always put the accent on the 'í'. Without it, the word is misspelled and the pronunciation would change to 'tec-no-LO-gia', which is wrong.

TICs in Education

If you are talking about technology in schools, use the acronym 'TICs'. It shows you understand the specific terminology used in Spanish-speaking countries.

The -ía Rule

Remember that almost all Spanish words ending in -ía are feminine. This helps you remember the gender of 'tecnología' instantly.

Hiatus Practice

Say 'tecnolo-GÍ-a' slowly to ensure you are making two syllables at the end. It's not 'gya', it's 'GÍ-a'.

Business Context

In business, use 'transformación digital' alongside 'tecnología' to sound more professional and up-to-date.

Listen for the Stress

When listening to native speakers, notice how they emphasize the 'gí' syllable. This will help you internalize the correct rhythm of the word.

Avoid 'El Tecnología'

Never use the masculine article. Even though technology feels 'neutral' in English, it is strictly feminine in Spanish.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Tech-No-Log'—a log of technology that is so big it has its own 'ía' (study).

Visual Association

Imagine a circuit board shaped like a brain, representing the 'logos' (knowledge) applied to 'techne' (craft).

Word Web

ciencia computadora internet robot móvil innovación futuro datos

Challenge

Try to name five things in your room that are examples of 'tecnología' and describe them using feminine adjectives.

Word Origin

From the Greek 'technologia', which is a combination of 'techne' (art, craft, skill) and 'logos' (word, study, treatise).

Original meaning: A systematic treatment of an art or craft.

Indo-European (via Greek and Latin).

Cultural Context

Be aware of the 'brecha digital' (digital divide) when discussing technology in Latin America, as access can vary greatly between urban and rural areas.

English speakers often use 'tech' as a shorthand, but in Spanish, 'tecnología' is rarely shortened to 'tec' in formal speech.

The 'Mobile World Congress' in Barcelona. The 'Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias'. 'Xataka', the most famous Spanish-language tech blog.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

tecnología educativa
uso de TICs
plataforma digital
aprendizaje en línea

Business

sector tecnológico
I+D
transformación digital
eficiencia operativa

Daily Life

dispositivos móviles
redes sociales
conexión a internet
gadgets modernos

Medicine

tecnología médica
telemedicina
equipamiento avanzado
diagnóstico por imagen

Environment

tecnología verde
energías renovables
sostenibilidad
impacto ambiental

Conversation Starters

"¿Qué opinas del impacto de la tecnología en nuestra vida diaria?"

"¿Cuál es el avance en tecnología que más te ha sorprendido recientemente?"

"¿Crees que dependemos demasiado de la tecnología hoy en día?"

"¿Cómo ha cambiado la tecnología tu forma de trabajar o estudiar?"

"¿Qué tecnología del futuro te gustaría ver hecha realidad?"

Journal Prompts

Describe cómo sería un día en tu vida sin ningún tipo de tecnología.

Escribe sobre una tecnología que creas que ha mejorado el mundo significativamente.

¿Cuáles son los peligros de la tecnología si no se usa con ética?

Reflexiona sobre cómo la tecnología ha cambiado tus relaciones personales.

Imagina la tecnología dentro de cien años y descríbela en detalle.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'tecnología' is always a feminine noun in Spanish. You should always use feminine articles (la, una) and feminine adjectives (avanzada, nueva) with it. This is a common rule for words ending in '-ía'.

The most natural way to say 'high-tech' is 'de alta tecnología' or 'tecnología punta'. For example, 'un avión de alta tecnología' or 'tecnología punta en medicina'.

'Tecnología' is a broad term that covers all practical applications of science (like biotechnology or mechanical engineering). 'Informática' specifically refers to computer science and information technology.

Yes, the accent on the 'í' is mandatory. It indicates that the 'i' and 'a' are pronounced as separate syllables (a hiatus) and that the stress falls on the 'i'.

Yes, 'tecnologías' is common, especially in the phrase 'las nuevas tecnologías' or 'las TICs' (Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación).

The 'g' is pronounced like the Spanish 'j' or a harsh English 'h'. It is a voiceless velar fricative (/x/), produced at the back of the throat.

It is extremely common. You will hear it in news, schools, workplaces, and daily conversations about gadgets and the internet.

Common verbs include 'usar' (to use), 'desarrollar' (to develop), 'implementar' (to implement), 'avanzar' (to advance), and 'aprovechar' (to take advantage of).

You can say 'empresa de tecnología' or 'empresa tecnológica'. Both are correct and widely used.

In formal Spanish, no. In very informal or student slang, you might occasionally hear 'tec', but it is not standard and 'tecnología' is usually said in full.