automático
“automático” means “automatic” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
automatic, automated
Also: self-acting
📝 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.
ATM, automatic transmission
Also: vending machine
📝 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'.)
involuntary, reflexive
Also: unconscious
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "automático" in Spanish:
atm→automatic transmission→reflexive→self-acting→vending machine→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: automático
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'automático' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Greek word 'automatos,' meaning 'acting of itself' or 'self-moving.' It entered Spanish via Latin and French, always keeping the core idea of something that operates without external force.
First recorded: 18th century (in its modern form/spelling)
Cognates (Related words)
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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).