Spanish Phrase
Mi compu no enciende.
Meaning
The speaker is saying that their computer does not turn on. It’s a straightforward way to report a technical problem with a device that refuses to start.
When to use
Use this sentence when your computer won’t power up and you need to explain the issue to a friend, a colleague, or technical support. It works in casual conversation and in informal written messages (e.g., chat, email to a coworker).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Micompunoenciende
Mi (possessive adjective)
Indicates ownership; agrees in gender and number with the noun that follows.
compu (colloquial noun)
Short for 'computadora' (computer). Common in informal speech, especially among younger speakers.
no (negation)
Placed directly before the verb to negate the action.
enciende (present indicative)
Third‑person singular form of 'encender' (to turn on). Used here to describe the computer’s state.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué pasa con tu computadora?
What's wrong with your computer?
Mi compu no enciende.
My computer won't turn on.
✕Common Mistakes
Mi compu no encender.
‘Encender’ must be conjugated; the infinitive cannot follow ‘no’ in this context.
Mi compu no se encender.
The reflexive pronoun ‘se’ is required if you use the reflexive form, and the verb must be conjugated.
Mi compu no encienda.
‘Encienda’ is the subjunctive; the indicative ‘enciende’ is needed for a factual statement.
↔Alternatives
Mi computadora no se enciende.
My computer doesn't turn on.
Mi PC no arranca.
My PC doesn't start.
Mi ordenador no prende.
My computer doesn't power up.
Cultural Tip
‘Compu’ is informal and widely used in many Latin American countries and Spain among younger speakers. In formal contexts (e.g., a business email or a technical report) prefer ‘computadora’, ‘ordenador’ (Spain) or ‘computadora’. Also note that in Mexico and parts of Central America people often say ‘prender’ instead of ‘encender’ (e.g., ‘Mi compu no prende’).