automático
/au-toh-MAH-tee-koh/
automatic
Showing an automatic door, which operates as a self-operating mechanism.
automático(Adjective)
automatic
?self-operating mechanism
,automated
?system or process
self-acting
?technical description
📝 In Action
El ascensor es completamente automático; no tienes que pulsar ningún botón.
A1The elevator is completely automatic; you don't have to press any buttons.
La respuesta automática del correo electrónico es muy útil cuando estoy de vacaciones.
A2The automatic email response is very useful when I am on vacation.
Necesitas una cámara automática para tomar fotos rápidas.
B1You need an automatic camera to take quick photos.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'automático' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'automática' for feminine singular nouns (la puerta), 'automáticos' for masculine plural nouns (los coches), and 'automáticas' for feminine plural nouns (las respuestas).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Accent
Mistake: "Escribir 'automatico' sin tilde."
Correction: The stress falls on the third-to-last syllable, so you must write it with an accent mark: 'automático'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Feminine Form
Even though the base word is 'automático,' when talking about a car's transmission, the phrase 'caja automática' (automatic gear box) is very common, so you will hear 'automática' often in that context.
Illustrating the noun form, an ATM, which is short for cajero automático.
automático(Noun)
ATM
?short for 'cajero automático'
,automatic transmission
?car mechanism
vending machine
?in some regions
📝 In Action
Fui al automático para sacar dinero.
B1I went to the ATM to take out money. (Short for 'cajero automático'.)
Mi nuevo coche tiene automático, así que no tengo que usar el embrague.
B1My new car has automatic transmission, so I don't have to use the clutch. (Short for 'cambio automático'.)
💡 Grammar Points
Noun Shorthand
When 'automático' is used as a noun, it’s usually a shortened version of a longer phrase, like 'el cajero automático' (the automatic teller machine) or 'el cambio automático' (the automatic gear shift). Because the original noun (cajero, cambio) is masculine, 'automático' keeps the masculine gender.
⭐ Usage Tips
Understanding Context
If you hear someone say 'el automático' near a bank, they mean the ATM. If they say it while talking about cars, they mean the transmission. Context is key!
Depicting an involuntary reflex action, showing the meaning of automático as an action.
automático(Adjective)
involuntary
?action or reaction
,reflexive
?behavior
unconscious
?thought process
📝 In Action
Su reflejo fue automático; se cubrió la cara inmediatamente.
B2His reflex was automatic; he covered his face immediately.
Para mí, respirar es un acto completamente automático.
C1For me, breathing is a completely automatic act.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing Behavior
When describing how someone reacts without thinking, 'automático' is a strong word to use. It emphasizes that the action was immediate and outside of their control.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: automático
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'automático' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'automático' only used for machines?
No. While it's very common for machines (like doors or cameras), you also use it to describe human actions that happen without thinking, like a 'respuesta automática' (automatic/reflexive response).
What is the difference between 'automático' and 'automáticamente'?
'Automático' is an adjective (a descriptive word), meaning 'automatic.' 'Automáticamente' is an adverb (describes how an action happens), meaning 'automatically.' Example: 'El sistema es automático' (The system is automatic) vs. 'El sistema funciona automáticamente' (The system works automatically).