What is the difference between "lista" and "listado"?

[Manuel]

Can the English word "list" (like a list of items) be translated by "listado" or "lista", and if so, what is the difference?

[Rusty]

The word 'lista' is a more general term that can be used in more situations than 'listado' can.

The two words both mean 'list', when used as nouns, but 'listado' refers to the actual item containing a list (be it tangible or electronic in form).

In other words, you can have a 'lista' written on a piece of paper. If you take the paper with you, you're carrying the 'listado'. If you read from the 'listado' (paper), someone hears the 'lista' you've written on the list.
You can commit a 'lista' to memory, but you cannot commit a 'listado' to memory (without a lot of pain).

[Manuel]

Thanks a lot Rusty! That was a very clear and thorough explanation.

I appreciate it.

[Rusty]

You're welcome.
A native speaker may want to share more ideas about usage that I didn't give.

[chileno]

Wouldn't it list = lista and listing = listado?

[Rusty]

A listing can contain a list, yes.

[chileno]

I guess it is the same in Spanish, then.

[tetsuo]

When I want to say, the a listado contains a lista what Spanish word should I use for contains? Contener or suponer or something else? And can I say "Un listado de papel contiena la liste yo uso para la compra" (The paper listing contains the list I use for the shopping)?

[poli]

For practical purposes, it's good to know the word listado, bit it's OK to avoid using listado altogether. Lista is certainly the common term. ;)

[AMG]

Guys, I am a Spanish native speaker, and I didn't know this. It's quite shaming :O

I'm learning Spanish here :):):):)