el lapiz
El lapiz means a pencil, a simple tool for quick notes, labels, or reminders.
Common Phrases
- tener un lapiz a mano — to have a pencil handy
- anotar con un lapiz — to write down with a pencil
Example
Dejo un lapiz en el escritorio por si surge una idea.
I leave a pencil on the desk just in case an idea comes up.
Common Mistake
Missing the accent: lápiz is correct; lapiz is a common spelling error.
la camara
La camara means a camera, especially the webcam you use for video meetings.
Common Phrases
- encender la camara — to turn on the camera
- ajustar la camara — to adjust the camera
Example
Reviso la camara y la luz antes de entrar a la llamada.
I check the camera and the lighting before joining the call.
Common Mistake
Accent and spelling: cámara is correct; camara without the accent is a common error.
la silla
La silla means a chair, often highlighting comfort or ergonomics in a home office.
Common Phrases
- una silla comoda — a comfortable chair
- ajustar la silla — to adjust the chair
Example
La silla comoda cambia mi postura durante el trabajo.
The comfortable chair changes my posture during work.
Common Mistake
Gender mix-up: la silla is correct; el silla is incorrect.
el libro
El libro means a book, including a reference book you consult to learn or confirm details.
Common Phrases
- consultar un libro — to consult a book
- un libro de referencia — a reference book
Example
Consulto un libro de referencia durante el proyecto.
I consult a reference book during the project.
Common Mistake
Wrong article: el libro is correct; la libro is incorrect.
el reloj
El reloj means a clock or a watch, anything you use to keep track of time.
Common Phrases
- mirar el reloj — to look at the clock/watch
- un reloj de pared — a wall clock
Example
Miro el reloj y entro a la reunion a tiempo.
I look at the clock and join the meeting on time.
Common Mistake
Missing the accent in related words: reunión is correct; reunion is a common error.
el ruido
El ruido means noise, especially unwanted sound that distracts you while working.
Common Phrases
- evitar el ruido — to avoid the noise
- ruido de fondo — background noise
Example
Cierro la puerta para reducir el ruido de fondo.
I close the door to reduce the background noise.
Common Mistake
Wrong preposition: ruido de fondo is common; ruido del fondo usually sounds off in this meaning.
el equipo
El equipo means a team (people) or equipment (devices); context tells you which meaning is intended.
Common Phrases
- mi equipo de trabajo — my work team
- equipo de oficina — office equipment
Example
Mi equipo de trabajo valora mensajes claros y breves.
My work team values clear and brief messages.
Common Mistake
Meaning confusion: el equipo can be a team or equipment; translating it as only one every time can be misleading.
el raton
El raton means a mouse, usually the computer mouse in a work-from-home setup.
Common Phrases
- un raton inalambrico — a wireless mouse
- usar el raton — to use the mouse
Example
Uso un raton inalambrico y trabajo mas rapido.
I use a wireless mouse and work faster.
Common Mistake
Missing accents: ratón, inalámbrico, and más are correct; raton, inalambrico, and mas often appear without accents by mistake.