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televisión

A1 noun #1,300 most common 12 min read

televisión

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips televisión in 30 Seconds

Explanation televisión in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'televisión' is introduced as a basic noun for daily objects and activities. Students learn that it is a feminine noun ('la televisión') and is used with simple verbs like 'ver' (to watch), 'encender' (to turn on), and 'apagar' (to turn off). The focus is on identifying the object in a room and expressing simple likes or dislikes, such as 'Me gusta la televisión'. Students also learn the common short form 'la tele'. At this stage, the distinction between the device and the medium is not emphasized; the word is simply the label for the screen in the living room that shows cartoons or news. Vocabulary is often paired with 'el salón' (the living room) and 'la familia'.

At the A2 level, students begin to use 'televisión' in the context of routines and past experiences. They might describe what they watched yesterday ('Ayer vi la televisión') or talk about their favorite types of programs using basic genres like 'las noticias' (the news), 'las películas' (movies), or 'los dibujos animados' (cartoons). The use of the preposition 'en' becomes important ('Lo vi en la televisión'). Students also learn to use adjectives to describe the TV or the programs, such as 'divertido' (funny), 'aburrido' (boring), or 'grande' (big). They start to understand that 'televisión' can refer to the industry in a very basic way, such as 'Mi tío trabaja en la televisión'.

At the B1 level, the word 'televisión' is used to discuss more complex topics like media habits, the influence of advertising, and cultural differences. Students learn more specific vocabulary related to the medium, such as 'el mando a distancia' (remote control), 'el canal' (channel), 'la audiencia' (audience/ratings), and 'el anuncio' (commercial). They can participate in debates about whether they watch too much TV or the quality of 'televisión pública' versus 'televisión privada'. The distinction between 'televisión' (the medium) and 'televisor' (the device) is clarified. They also start using idiomatic expressions or common phrases like 'hacer zapping' (to channel surf).

At the B2 level, students use 'televisión' to analyze its role in society and politics. They can discuss 'la manipulación mediática' (media manipulation), 'la televisión basura' (trash TV), and the impact of 'la televisión a la carta' (on-demand TV) on traditional broadcasting. Vocabulary becomes more technical, including terms like 'retransmisión' (broadcast), 'sintonizar' (to tune in), and 'programación' (programming schedule). They can express nuanced opinions about the ethics of reality shows or the importance of educational television. The word is often used in the context of 'medios de comunicación' (mass media) and 'globalización'.

At the C1 level, 'televisión' is treated as a complex subject of academic or professional discourse. Students can discuss the history of the medium, the transition from analog to digital ('el apagón analógico'), and the semiotics of television language. They use advanced collocations and can speak fluently about 'la hegemonía de la televisión', 'el discurso televisivo', and 'la convergencia mediática'. They understand the subtle registers of the word, from the slangy 'la caja tonta' to the formal 'el ente televisivo'. They can analyze how television shapes national identity and public discourse in various Spanish-speaking countries.

At the C2 level, the student has a complete mastery of 'televisión' in all its dimensions. They can engage in high-level philosophical discussions about the 'post-television' era and the dissolution of traditional media boundaries. They can interpret complex metaphors involving the word and understand its use in literature and high-level journalism. They are familiar with the specific histories of major networks like TVE in Spain or Televisa in Mexico and can discuss their political and social trajectories. The word is no longer just a noun but a focal point for analyzing contemporary culture, power structures, and the evolution of human perception.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

televisión in 30 Seconds

A feminine noun referring to the medium of broadcasting moving images and sound, essential for daily communication and entertainment in Spanish-speaking cultures.
Commonly used with the article 'la' and verbs like 'ver' (to watch), 'encender' (to turn on), and 'apagar' (to turn off).
Often shortened to 'la tele' in informal contexts, while 'televisor' specifically refers to the physical device or hardware.
Key cultural element for news, sports, and telenovelas, acting as a primary source of shared social and political information.

The word televisión is a feminine noun in Spanish that serves as a cornerstone of modern communication and entertainment. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the system for transmitting moving images and sound over a distance, but in daily life, its usage is much broader and more nuanced. It is essential to distinguish between the medium itself—the industry, the broadcasts, and the cultural phenomenon—and the physical device used to watch it, which is often more specifically called a televisor. However, in casual conversation, televisión or its shortened form la tele is used ubiquitously to cover both meanings. When you are talking about the act of watching a show, the cultural impact of a news broadcast, or the industry as a whole, televisión is your primary term. It is a word that transcends social classes and geographical boundaries, appearing in every Spanish-speaking country from the bustling streets of Madrid to the rural highlands of the Andes.

The Abstract Concept: Refers to the medium of broadcasting. For example, 'La televisión ha cambiado la sociedad' (Television has changed society).

The Physical Object: While 'televisor' is technically correct for the box, people often say 'Apaga la televisión' (Turn off the television) when referring to the hardware.

Me gusta ver la televisión por la noche para relajarme después del trabajo.

In the context of modern technology, the word has evolved. We now speak of televisión digital, televisión por cable, and televisión a la carta (on-demand). Despite the rise of the internet, the term remains dominant because it represents the curated experience of professional video production. You will hear it in academic settings discussing media theory, in domestic settings when deciding what to watch for dinner, and in commercial settings when brands discuss their advertising budgets. It is a feminine noun, so it always takes the feminine articles la, una, las, or unas. Understanding this word is not just about learning a piece of technology; it is about accessing the primary vehicle for news, soap operas (telenovelas), and sports in the Spanish-speaking world.

La televisión pública ofrece documentales muy interesantes sobre la naturaleza.

Industry Usage: Used to describe the profession. 'Ella trabaja en la televisión' means she works in the TV industry, whether as an actress, producer, or technician.

¿Qué hay hoy en la televisión? No encuentro nada bueno para ver.

Mi abuelo prefiere la televisión tradicional antes que las plataformas de streaming.

La televisión a color fue un gran avance tecnológico en el siglo veinte.

Using televisión correctly involves more than just knowing the translation. You must master the verbs that typically accompany it and the prepositions that define its relationship with other words. The most common verb used with this noun is ver (to see/watch). Unlike English, where we 'watch TV', in Spanish, we 'see the television' (ver la televisión). While mirar (to look at) is also used in some regions, ver is the standard choice for consuming content. Another crucial set of verbs includes encender (to turn on) and apagar (to turn off). If you are referring to the volume, you would use subir (to raise) or bajar (to lower). The noun is almost always preceded by the definite article la, even in contexts where English might omit it. For example, 'I like TV' translates to 'Me gusta la televisión'.

Action Verbs: Ver, mirar, encender, apagar, sintonizar (to tune), programar.

Siempre enciendo la televisión nada más llegar a casa para escuchar las noticias.

When discussing content, the preposition en is vital. You see something en la televisión. This mirrors the English 'on television'. If you are describing a person's appearance on a show, you would say 'aparecer en la televisión'. Furthermore, when using the word as an adjective to describe something related to the medium, we often use the phrase de televisión. For example, a 'TV program' is a programa de televisión, and a 'TV star' is an estrella de televisión. In plural form, televisiones, it often refers to different channels or broadcasting companies rather than multiple physical sets. 'Las televisiones privadas compiten por la audiencia' (Private TV stations compete for the audience).

Ese programa de televisión tiene millones de seguidores en todo el mundo.

Prepositional Phrases: En la televisión (on TV), por la televisión (through/via TV), de televisión (TV-related).

In more complex sentences, televisión can act as the subject or the object. As a subject: 'La televisión influye en la opinión pública' (Television influences public opinion). As an object: 'No soporto la televisión basura' (I can't stand trash TV). Note the use of 'basura' (trash) as a noun-adjective here, a common way to criticize low-quality programming. When you want to talk about the physical screen, you might use la pantalla de la televisión. If the device is broken, you say 'la televisión no funciona' or 'está estropeada'.

¿Puedes bajar el volumen de la televisión? Estoy intentando leer.

Anunciaron los resultados de las elecciones por la televisión nacional.

La televisión de mi sala es mucho más grande que la de mi dormitorio.

The word televisión is heard in almost every conceivable social environment in the Spanish-speaking world. In the domestic sphere, it is the center of the living room, the 'salón' or 'sala'. You will hear parents telling children, '¡Deja de ver la televisión y haz los deberes!' (Stop watching TV and do your homework!). It is the background noise of family lunches and the primary source of shared cultural experiences, such as watching the national football team play in the World Cup. In these contexts, the word is often shortened to la tele, which carries a warmer, more familiar connotation. If you visit a Spanish home, the question '¿Vemos la tele?' is a standard invitation to relax together.

Domestic Setting: Commonly heard as 'la tele'. Used for daily habits and family interaction.

En mi casa, nunca cenamos con la televisión encendida para poder hablar.

Beyond the home, televisión is a staple of the workplace, particularly in marketing, journalism, and public relations. You will hear it in business meetings: 'Tenemos que comprar espacios publicitarios en la televisión' (We need to buy advertising slots on TV). In the news itself, presenters often refer to their own medium, saying things like 'Gracias por elegir nuestra televisión para informarse' (Thank you for choosing our TV station to stay informed). It is also a frequent topic in bars and cafes, where people discuss the latest episode of a popular series or a controversial interview. In Spain, specifically, the 'uvas' (grapes) tradition on New Year's Eve is inextricably linked to la televisión, as everyone watches the clock at Puerta del Sol through the screen.

La televisión local transmitirá el desfile de las fiestas patronales en directo.

Public and Commercial Settings: Used in advertising, news broadcasting, and public events.

In academic and critical circles, the word takes on a more analytical tone. Professors might lecture on 'la historia de la televisión en España' or 'el impacto de la televisión en la infancia'. Here, the word is never shortened to 'tele'. You will find it in newspapers, academic journals, and high-level debates about media ethics. Even in the age of YouTube and TikTok, 'la televisión' remains the benchmark for 'making it' in the entertainment world. To 'salir en la televisión' (to appear on TV) still carries a level of prestige and recognition that social media often lacks in the eyes of the general public.

Muchos expertos debaten sobre el futuro de la televisión frente a internet.

Ayer vi un debate muy intenso sobre política en la televisión.

La televisión satelital permite ver canales de otros países fácilmente.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is getting the gender of the word wrong. Because it ends in '-ión', televisión is feminine. Many beginners mistakenly say 'el televisión' because they associate technology or 'boxes' with masculine nouns, but this is incorrect. It must always be la televisión. Another common pitfall is the confusion between televisión and televisor. While they are often interchangeable in casual speech, televisor refers strictly to the physical apparatus. If you say 'He comprado una televisión nueva', it's fine, but 'He comprado un televisor nuevo' is more precise. Conversely, you cannot say 'Trabajo en el televisor' if you mean you work in the TV industry; you must say 'Trabajo en la televisión'.

Gender Error: Incorrect: El televisión es caro. Correct: La televisión es cara.

Mucha gente confunde televisión (el medio) con televisor (el aparato).

Spelling is another area where students stumble. The word requires a written accent on the 'o' (televisión). Without it, the word is technically misspelled and the pronunciation would theoretically shift to the second-to-last syllable, which is wrong. Furthermore, English speakers often forget the definite article. In English, we say 'I'm watching TV', but in Spanish, you must say 'Estoy viendo la televisión'. Omitting the 'la' makes the sentence sound incomplete or 'tarzanesque' to a native speaker. Additionally, be careful with the plural. The plural is televisiones, and when you pluralize it, the written accent on the 'o' disappears because the stress naturally stays on that syllable according to Spanish phonics rules.

Es un error común olvidar el artículo 'la' antes de la palabra televisión.

Article Omission: Incorrect: Veo televisión. Correct: Veo la televisión.

Lastly, avoid using the verb mirar exclusively if you want to sound like a native in most regions. While 'mirar la televisión' is understood and used in parts of Latin America, 'ver la televisión' is the more standard and widely accepted version across the Spanish-speaking world. Also, avoid using 'TV' in formal writing; while 'TV' is used in logos or casual texts, 'televisión' or 'tele' (informal) are the standard written forms. Using 'TV' in a formal essay would be considered too anglicized and lazy.

No escribas 'TV' en un examen formal; usa siempre la palabra completa televisión.

Asegúrate de poner el acento en la 'ó' cuando escribas televisión en singular.

Recuerda que televisión es femenino: 'la televisión está encendida'.

While televisión is the standard term, Spanish offers several alternatives depending on the context and the desired level of formality. The most common synonym is the shortened tele. This is used in almost all informal settings and is equivalent to the English 'telly' or 'TV'. However, unlike 'telly', la tele is not limited to British-style English; it is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world. If you are referring specifically to the hardware, the word televisor is the most accurate. You buy a televisor at an electronics store, but you watch televisión on it. Another technical term is receptor, though this is mostly used in engineering or old-fashioned contexts.

Tele vs. Televisión: 'Tele' is informal and friendly; 'televisión' is standard and formal.

¿Quieres ver un poco la tele antes de dormir?

In a more metaphorical or derogatory sense, you might hear the term la caja tonta (the idiot box). This is used to criticize the perceived low quality or mind-numbing nature of many TV programs. In the industry, professionals often refer to la pequeña pantalla (the small screen) to distinguish television from la gran pantalla (the big screen), which refers to the cinema. If you are talking about the content specifically, you might use programación (programming) or emisión (broadcast). For example, 'La programación de hoy es aburrida' (Today's programming is boring).

Muchos actores prefieren el cine, pero ahora hay mucha calidad en la pequeña pantalla.

Televisión vs. Televisor: Televisión = the medium/concept (feminine). Televisor = the physical device (masculine).

In the modern era, televisión is often contrasted with streaming or plataformas digitales. While people still 'watch TV' on Netflix, linguistically, there is a growing distinction. If someone says 'No veo la televisión', they often mean they don't watch traditional scheduled broadcasts, even if they spend hours watching series on their smart TV. Another related term is monitor, used if the screen is being used for a computer or security system rather than for receiving broadcast signals. Finally, pantalla (screen) is a very common generic term: 'Estoy todo el día pegado a la pantalla' (I'm glued to the screen all day).

A veces llamamos a la televisión 'la caja tonta' cuando los programas son de mala calidad.

El televisor de plasma fue reemplazado por la tecnología LED.

La televisión por suscripción ofrece canales sin anuncios.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'télévision' was first used in 1900 by Constantin Perskyi at the International Electricity Congress in Paris. It was adopted into Spanish shortly after.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌtɛlɪˈvɪʒn̩/

US /ˈtɛləˌvɪʒən/

The stress is on the final syllable 'sión'. This is indicated by the written accent on the 'ó'.

Rhymes With

canción avión camión reunión acción decisión pasión lección

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (with teeth on lips). In Spanish, 'v' and 'b' sound the same, usually a soft bilabial sound.
Failing to stress the last syllable.
Pronouncing the 't' with a puff of air (aspiration). Spanish 't' is dental and unaspirated.
Making the 'i' sound like the 'i' in 'sit'. It should be a sharp 'ee' sound as in 'see'.
Pronouncing 'sión' like the English 'shun'. In Spanish, it is a clear 's' sound followed by 'yon'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English word.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the written accent.

Speaking 2/5

The 'v' sound and the final stress need practice for perfect pronunciation.

Listening 1/5

Easily understood in context, especially when shortened to 'tele'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ver mirar la casa salón

Learn Next

televisor programa película noticias mando

Advanced

retransmisión audiencia sintonización guion productora

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -ión are almost always feminine.

La televisión, la canción, la habitación.

Written accents on the last syllable are required for words ending in -n, -s, or a vowel if the stress is on the last syllable.

Televisión, jardín, café.

The accent is dropped in the plural form when an extra syllable is added.

Televisión -> televisiones.

Definite articles are used with abstract nouns or general concepts in Spanish.

La televisión es importante (Television is important).

Preposition 'en' is used for media platforms.

Lo vi en la televisión, lo leí en el periódico.

Examples by Level

Yo veo la televisión todos los días.

I watch television every day.

Uses the definite article 'la' which is mandatory here.

La televisión está en el salón.

The television is in the living room.

Subject-verb agreement with 'está'.

¿Te gusta la televisión?

Do you like television?

Uses 'gustar' with the feminine singular noun.

Mi madre apaga la televisión por la noche.

My mother turns off the television at night.

Verb 'apagar' (to turn off).

Hay una televisión pequeña en mi cuarto.

There is a small television in my room.

Indefinite article 'una' and adjective 'pequeña' agreement.

Nosotros vemos la tele juntos.

We watch TV together.

Uses the common short form 'la tele'.

La televisión es nueva.

The television is new.

Adjective 'nueva' matches the feminine noun.

No veo la televisión por la mañana.

I don't watch television in the morning.

Negative sentence structure.

Ayer vi una película muy buena en la televisión.

Yesterday I saw a very good movie on television.

Preterite tense 'vi' and preposition 'en'.

Mi hermano siempre enciende la televisión para ver el fútbol.

My brother always turns on the television to watch football.

Verb 'encender' (to turn on).

Antes no había televisión en color.

Before, there was no color television.

Imperfect tense 'había'.

¿Cuál es tu programa de televisión favorito?

What is your favorite television program?

Compound noun 'programa de televisión'.

Prefiero leer un libro que ver la televisión.

I prefer reading a book than watching television.

Comparison using 'preferir... que'.

La televisión hace mucho ruido.

The television makes a lot of noise.

Noun 'ruido' (noise).

Mis abuelos ven la televisión por la tarde.

My grandparents watch television in the afternoon.

Plural subject 'mis abuelos'.

En la televisión dijeron que va a llover.

On the television they said it's going to rain.

Impersonal 'dijeron' (they said).

Si tuviera más tiempo, vería menos la televisión.

If I had more time, I would watch television less.

Conditional sentence with 'si' + imperfect subjunctive.

La televisión pública debería tener menos anuncios.

Public television should have fewer commercials.

Modal verb 'debería' and 'televisión pública'.

Me gusta hacer zapping cuando no hay nada interesante en la televisión.

I like channel surfing when there is nothing interesting on television.

The phrase 'hacer zapping' is very common.

La televisión ha evolucionado mucho con la llegada de internet.

Television has evolved a lot with the arrival of the internet.

Present perfect 'ha evolucionado'.

Es importante controlar lo que los niños ven en la televisión.

It is important to control what children watch on television.

Infinitive 'controlar' as a subject.

Aparecer en la televisión es el sueño de muchos jóvenes.

Appearing on television is the dream of many young people.

Phrase 'aparecer en la televisión'.

La televisión de pago ofrece canales especializados en deportes.

Pay TV offers channels specialized in sports.

Term 'televisión de pago'.

No entiendo por qué la gente ve tanta televisión basura.

I don't understand why people watch so much trash TV.

Colloquial term 'televisión basura'.

La televisión sigue siendo el medio de comunicación más influyente.

Television continues to be the most influential mass medium.

Periphrasis 'seguir siendo'.

Muchos critican la falta de objetividad en la televisión nacional.

Many criticize the lack of objectivity in national television.

Abstract noun 'objetividad'.

La televisión a la carta permite al usuario elegir qué ver y cuándo.

On-demand television allows the user to choose what to watch and when.

Term 'televisión a la carta'.

El debate fue transmitido por televisión en horario de máxima audiencia.

The debate was broadcast on television during prime time.

Term 'horario de máxima audiencia' (prime time).

La televisión educativa puede ser una herramienta muy útil en las escuelas.

Educational television can be a very useful tool in schools.

Adjective 'educativa' modifying 'televisión'.

A pesar de las redes sociales, la televisión mantiene su cuota de pantalla.

Despite social networks, television maintains its audience share.

Term 'cuota de pantalla' (audience share/rating).

Se ha producido una caída en el consumo de televisión tradicional.

There has been a drop in the consumption of traditional television.

Passive 'se ha producido'.

La televisión por satélite llega a las zonas más remotas del país.

Satellite television reaches the most remote areas of the country.

Term 'televisión por satélite'.

La televisión ha moldeado el imaginario colectivo de varias generaciones.

Television has shaped the collective imagination of several generations.

Complex concept 'imaginario colectivo'.

La fragmentación de la audiencia es el mayor reto de la televisión actual.

Audience fragmentation is the greatest challenge for current television.

Noun 'fragmentación'.

El lenguaje de la televisión difiere significativamente del lenguaje cinematográfico.

The language of television differs significantly from cinematographic language.

Verb 'diferir' with 'de'.

La televisión ha sido acusada de fomentar el sedentarismo y el consumismo.

Television has been accused of promoting a sedentary lifestyle and consumerism.

Passive voice 'ha sido acusada'.

La digitalización de la televisión supuso un cambio de paradigma en la industria.

The digitalization of television meant a paradigm shift in the industry.

Term 'cambio de paradigma'.

La televisión local desempeña un papel crucial en la cohesión social.

Local television plays a crucial role in social cohesion.

Collocation 'desempeñar un papel'.

El discurso político en la televisión suele estar lleno de retórica vacía.

Political discourse on television is often full of empty rhetoric.

Noun 'discurso'.

La televisión en alta definición ha transformado nuestra percepción visual.

High-definition television has transformed our visual perception.

Term 'alta definición'.

La televisión, como dispositivo biopolítico, regula los tiempos de la vida cotidiana.

Television, as a biopolitical device, regulates the timings of daily life.

Advanced philosophical terminology 'dispositivo biopolítico'.

Asistimos al ocaso de la televisión lineal frente a la hegemonía del algoritmo.

We are witnessing the sunset of linear television in the face of the algorithm's hegemony.

Metaphorical use of 'ocaso'.

La televisión ha mercantilizado la esfera privada a través de los reality shows.

Television has commodified the private sphere through reality shows.

Verb 'mercantilizar'.

La ubicuidad de la televisión impide a menudo una reflexión crítica profunda.

The ubiquity of television often prevents deep critical reflection.

Noun 'ubicuidad'.

La televisión es un espejo deformante de la realidad socioeconómica del país.

Television is a distorting mirror of the country's socioeconomic reality.

Metaphor 'espejo deformante'.

La convergencia mediática ha diluido las fronteras entre la televisión y la red.

Media convergence has diluted the boundaries between television and the web.

Term 'convergencia mediática'.

La televisión ha pasado de ser un centro de reunión familiar a un consumo atomizado.

Television has gone from being a family gathering center to atomized consumption.

Adjective 'atomizado'.

El simulacro televisivo sustituye, en ocasiones, a la experiencia vivida.

The television simulacrum sometimes replaces lived experience.

Philosophical term 'simulacro'.

Common Collocations

ver la televisión

encender la televisión

apagar la televisión

programa de televisión

televisión por cable

televisión en directo

anuncio de televisión

estrella de televisión

televisión pública

bajar la televisión

Common Phrases

salir en la televisión

— To appear on a TV show or news broadcast. It implies being famous or involved in a public event.

Mi vecino salió en la televisión porque ganó la lotería.

poner la televisión

— A very common alternative to 'encender'. It means to turn on the TV.

Pon la televisión, que ya empieza el partido.

dar por la televisión

— Used to say that a specific program is being broadcast. Similar to 'to be on'.

¿Qué dan hoy por la televisión?

delante de la televisión

— In front of the TV set. Used to describe where someone is sitting.

Pasa horas muertas delante de la televisión.

televisión a la carta

— On-demand television services where you choose what to watch.

La televisión a la carta ha cambiado nuestros hábitos.

hacer televisión

— To work in the production or creation of TV content.

Hacer televisión de calidad es muy caro.

consumo de televisión

— The act or amount of watching TV by a population.

El consumo de televisión ha bajado entre los jóvenes.

cadena de televisión

— A television network or channel company.

Esa cadena de televisión tiene mucha audiencia.

serie de televisión

— A TV series or show with multiple episodes.

Estoy enganchado a una nueva serie de televisión.

mando de la televisión

— The TV remote control.

¿Dónde has dejado el mando de la televisión?

Often Confused With

televisión vs televisor

Televisor is the physical box; televisión is the medium or the concept. In casual speech, televisión is often used for both.

televisión vs tele

Tele is just the short form. Use it with friends, but use televisión in writing or formal speech.

televisión vs visión

Visión means 'sight' or 'vision'. While it's the root, it's never used alone to mean TV.

Idioms & Expressions

"estar pegado a la televisión"

— To be watching TV intently for a long time, often implying obsession or laziness.

Mi hijo está todo el día pegado a la televisión.

informal

"chupar cámara"

— To try to appear on TV as much as possible, often by getting in front of the lens during a broadcast.

Ese político siempre intenta chupar cámara en los eventos.

slang

"hacer zapping"

— To change channels repeatedly looking for something to watch.

Me paso la tarde haciendo zapping y al final no veo nada.

neutral

"ser pura televisión"

— To be very dramatic or visually striking, perfectly suited for the medium of TV.

Ese juicio es pura televisión; parece una película.

informal

"vender humo en la televisión"

— To make false promises or promote something without substance on a TV broadcast.

Muchos programas de dietas solo venden humo en la televisión.

informal

"romper la televisión"

— To achieve incredibly high ratings or cause a massive sensation on TV.

La entrevista de anoche rompió la televisión.

informal

"quedarse frito viendo la tele"

— To fall asleep while watching television.

Mi padre siempre se queda frito viendo la tele después de comer.

informal

"televisión de trinchera"

— TV programming that is highly biased or used for political warfare.

No me gusta ese canal porque hace televisión de trinchera.

journalistic

"tragarse toda la televisión"

— To watch everything that is broadcast without being selective.

Se traga toda la televisión, hasta los anuncios de madrugada.

informal

"dar la cara en televisión"

— To appear on TV to explain oneself or face a public situation.

El director tuvo que dar la cara en televisión tras el escándalo.

neutral

Easily Confused

televisión vs televisor

Both refer to the same general object.

Televisor is masculine and refers only to the hardware. Televisión is feminine and refers to the medium, the industry, or the hardware (informally).

El televisor está roto, pero la televisión como industria sigue creciendo.

televisión vs pantalla

You look at both.

Pantalla is the generic word for any screen (phone, computer, cinema). Televisión is specific to the TV medium.

Limpia la pantalla de la televisión.

televisión vs canal

Both are related to watching shows.

Canal is a specific station (like CNN or BBC). Televisión is the whole system.

Cambia de canal en la televisión.

televisión vs programa

You watch both.

Programa is a specific show. Televisión is the medium where the show is broadcast.

Este programa de televisión es muy educativo.

televisión vs emisión

Both relate to broadcasting.

Emisión is the act of broadcasting or a specific transmission. Televisión is the general medium.

La emisión de televisión se cortó por la tormenta.

Sentence Patterns

Me gusta [la televisión].

Me gusta la televisión.

Veo [la televisión] [tiempo].

Veo la televisión por la noche.

Hay [un/una] [televisión] en [lugar].

Hay una televisión en mi habitación.

Es un [programa] de [televisión].

Es un programa de televisión muy famoso.

Lo he visto en [la televisión].

Lo he visto en la televisión esta mañana.

La televisión influye en [algo].

La televisión influye en el comportamiento de los niños.

A través de [la televisión], se [verbo].

A través de la televisión, se difunden ideas políticas.

La televisión constituye [algo].

La televisión constituye un pilar de la cultura de masas.

Word Family

Nouns

televisor (the device)

televidente (the viewer)

tele (informal short form)

televisión (the medium)

Verbs

televisar (to broadcast on TV)

Adjectives

televisivo (related to TV)

televisado (broadcasted)

telecomunicación

telebasura

teleoperador

teletrabajo

telenovela

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and media.

Common Mistakes

El televisión → La televisión
The word is feminine because it ends in -ión. Using 'el' is a basic gender error.
Veo televisión → Veo la televisión
In Spanish, definite articles are required when talking about the medium in general.
Television (without accent) → Televisión
The written accent is mandatory on the 'ó' because it is an 'aguda' word ending in 'n'.
Mirar televisión → Ver la televisión
While 'mirar' is used in some places, 'ver' is the standard verb for consuming content.
Televisiones (with accent) → Televisiones
The accent is removed in the plural form because the stress no longer requires a tilde according to Spanish rules.

Tips

Gender Rule

Always remember that 'televisión' is feminine. Use 'la' and 'una'. This is a common mistake for English speakers who assume technology is masculine.

The Accent Mark

Don't forget the tilde on the 'ó'. It's essential for correct spelling and shows that the stress is on the last syllable.

Informal Usage

Use 'la tele' when talking to friends or family. It sounds much more natural and less robotic than saying 'la televisión' every time.

Ver vs Mirar

Stick with 'ver la televisión' as your default. It's the most widely understood version across all Spanish-speaking countries.

Device vs Medium

If you are at a store buying a new screen, use the word 'televisor'. It makes you sound more precise and knowledgeable about the language.

Telenovelas

If you want to practice Spanish, watching 'telenovelas' on television is a great way to hear different accents and common idioms.

Plural Accent

Remember that the accent disappears in the plural: 'televisiones'. This is because the stress stays on the same syllable, but the word is no longer 'aguda'.

The 'V' Sound

In Spanish, the 'v' in 'televisión' is pronounced like a soft 'b'. Don't bite your lower lip like you do in English!

Avoid Abbreviations

In formal emails or essays, avoid writing 'TV'. Use the full word 'televisión' to maintain a professional tone.

Time Phrases

Learn phrases like 'en horario de máxima audiencia' (prime time) to discuss television like a native speaker.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tele' (far, like telephone) and 'Vision' (sight). It's the device that lets you see things from far away.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant eye looking through a telescope that turns into a TV screen in your living room.

Word Web

Canal Mando Programa Noticias Película Serie Pantalla Anuncio

Challenge

Try to name five things you saw on the televisión yesterday using full Spanish sentences.

Word Origin

The word is a hybrid construction combining Greek and Latin roots. It was coined in the late 19th century as the technology was being conceptualized.

Original meaning: Vision from afar.

Indo-European (Greek 'tele' + Latin 'visio').

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'televisión basura' is a strong term and can be offensive to those who work in or enjoy those programs.

In English, we often omit the article ('I watch TV'), but in Spanish, the article 'la' is almost always required.

Televisión Española (TVE) - The oldest television network in Spain. Telenovelas - The iconic Latin American soap operas that are a staple of Spanish-language TV. Las campanadas - The New Year's Eve broadcast from Puerta del Sol, a mandatory TV event in Spain.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home

¿Dónde está el mando?
Pon la tele.
Baja el volumen.
¿Qué hay en la televisión?

Discussing news

Lo vi en la televisión.
Lo dijeron por la tele.
Salió en las noticias de televisión.
Es un canal de televisión serio.

At an electronics store

Quiero comprar una televisión.
¿Es una televisión inteligente?
¿Qué resolución tiene esta televisión?
¿Cuánto cuesta esta televisión?

In a professional media setting

Trabajo en la televisión.
Estamos grabando para la televisión.
Es un formato de televisión nuevo.
La televisión tiene mucha competencia.

Criticizing media

No me gusta la televisión basura.
Hay demasiados anuncios en la televisión.
La televisión manipula a la gente.
Prefiero internet a la televisión.

Conversation Starters

"¿Qué tipo de programas de televisión te gustan más?"

"¿Cuántas horas al día ves la televisión normalmente?"

"¿Crees que la televisión es mejor ahora que antes?"

"¿Cuál es tu serie de televisión favorita de todos los tiempos?"

"¿Prefieres ver la televisión solo o con tu familia?"

Journal Prompts

Describe un programa de televisión que te haya marcado en tu infancia.

Escribe sobre las ventajas y desventajas de tener una televisión en el dormitorio.

¿Cómo crees que será la televisión dentro de cincuenta años?

Analiza el impacto de la televisión en la forma en que consumimos noticias hoy en día.

Reflexiona sobre un día entero sin usar la televisión ni ninguna pantalla.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Es siempre 'la televisión'. Las palabras que terminan en '-ión' suelen ser femeninas en español. Por ejemplo: la canción, la educación, la televisión.

'Televisión' se refiere al medio de comunicación o al sistema en general. 'Televisor' se refiere específicamente al aparato físico, a la caja con pantalla. Ejemplo: 'Veo la televisión en mi televisor nuevo'.

No es recomendable. 'Tele' es una forma coloquial e informal. En un examen o en un texto formal, siempre debes escribir la palabra completa: 'televisión'.

Lleva acento porque es una palabra aguda que termina en 'n'. En español, las palabras agudas (con la fuerza en la última sílaba) llevan tilde si terminan en vocal, 'n' o 's'.

Se dice 'ver la televisión'. Es importante incluir el artículo 'la'. En algunas zonas de Latinoamérica también se usa 'mirar la televisión'.

Es un término despectivo para referirse a programas de baja calidad, sensacionalistas o que no aportan valor educativo, como algunos reality shows.

Ambas son correctas pero se usan en contextos diferentes. 'En la televisión' se usa para hablar de lo que aparece en la pantalla ('Lo vi en la televisión'). 'Por la televisión' se usa para hablar del medio de transmisión ('Lo anunciaron por la televisión').

Se dice 'el mando a distancia' o simplemente 'el mando'. En algunos países de Latinoamérica se dice 'el control remoto' o 'el control'.

El plural es 'televisiones'. Nota que al añadir la sílaba '-es', la palabra deja de llevar tilde porque la acentuación sigue las reglas generales.

Significa cambiar de canal rápidamente y muchas veces seguidas usando el mando a distancia, normalmente buscando algo interesante que ver.