Learn Hardcore Spanish (Latin America): En la pantalla táctil compro boletos para un crucero adicional. - On the touch screen I buy tickets for an additional cruise.

In Spanish, en is the standard preposition to indicate location “on” a surface like a screen. Sobre can also mean “on,” but it often adds a sense of “above” or “over” rather than “on the interface.” The definite article la is needed because pantalla is a feminine noun; you can’t say en pantalla táctil here without it.

What exactly does pantalla táctil mean?

Pantalla means “screen,” and táctil is an adjective derived from tacto (“touch”). Put together, pantalla táctil literally means touch-sensitive screen—in English we call it a touchscreen.

Why is the verb compro in the simple present instead of saying estoy comprando?

Spanish commonly uses the simple present (yo compro) to describe both habitual actions and what’s happening right now, especially in instructions or captions. The present progressive (estoy comprando) is possible, but the simple present is more natural when stating “I buy” or “I’m buying” in a short sentence like this.

What tense and person is compro?

Compro is the first person singular (yo) in the presente de indicativo of comprar. It can mean “I buy,” “I am buying,” or “I do buy,” depending on context.

Why do we say boletos instead of entradas or billetes?

In Latin America, boleto is the generic word for tickets to events or transportation. In Spain you’d more often hear billete for bus/train/plane tickets and entrada for concert or theater tickets. But for a cruise in Latin America, boletos is the natural choice.

Why use para in boletos para un crucero adicional and not por?

Para expresses purpose or destination: these are tickets for an additional cruise. Por would convey reasons, exchange, or movement through something, which doesn’t fit here.

Could we say otro crucero instead of un crucero adicional?

You could, but the nuance changes. Otro crucero means another cruise (just a different one), while un crucero adicional highlights that it’s an extra cruise on top of what you already have.

Is word order flexible? Could I say Compro boletos para un crucero adicional en la pantalla táctil?

Yes. Spanish allows you to place locative phrases (like en la pantalla táctil) at the beginning or end for emphasis or style. Starting with the location sets the scene; ending with it keeps the focus on what you’re buying. Both orders are correct.

Why is adicional placed after crucero and not before it?

Most Spanish adjectives follow the noun (e.g., crucero adicional). Putting adicional before the noun (as in adicional crucero) would sound odd or overly formal here. The normal position is crucero adicional.