equipo
/eh-KEE-poh/
team
The most common meaning of equipo is 'team'—a group of people working together toward a common goal.
equipo(Noun)
team
?sports, work, project group
crew
?a group working on a specific task, e.g., a film crew
📝 In Action
Mi equipo de fútbol favorito juega hoy.
A1My favorite soccer team plays today.
Trabajamos muy bien como equipo en la oficina.
A2We work very well as a team at the office.
El equipo de rescate ayudó a los montañistas.
B1The rescue team helped the mountaineers.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine: 'El Equipo'
'Equipo' is a masculine word, so you always use 'el' or 'un' with it. This is true even if the team is made up of all women. For example, 'el equipo femenino' (the women's team).
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Equipo' vs. 'Grupo'
Mistake: "Voy a la playa con mi equipo de amigos."
Correction: Voy a la playa con mi grupo de amigos. 'Equipo' implies people working together for a common goal (like winning a game or finishing a project). 'Grupo' is just a general collection of people.
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking About Teamwork
The phrase 'trabajo en equipo' (teamwork) is incredibly useful. You can say 'El trabajo en equipo es importante' (Teamwork is important) in almost any professional or academic setting.
Equipo also refers to a set of tools, devices, or gear needed for a specific activity, such as sports equipment or a sound system.
equipo(Noun)
equipment
?general set of tools or items for an activity
gear
?sports, camping, photography
,kit
?a set of tools for a specific purpose, e.g., first-aid kit
,device / system
?electronics, e.g., a stereo system
📝 In Action
Para acampar, necesitas el equipo correcto.
A2To go camping, you need the right equipment.
El fotógrafo tiene un equipo que cuesta miles de euros.
B1The photographer has gear that costs thousands of euros.
Mi equipo de sonido es muy viejo, pero funciona bien.
B1My sound system is very old, but it works well.
💡 Grammar Points
Singular for a Collection
Just like in English, 'equipo' is a singular word that refers to a whole set of items. You say 'El equipo es nuevo' (The equipment is new), not 'son nuevos', even though you're talking about multiple things.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Equipo' for a Single Item
Mistake: "Pásame ese equipo para clavar el clavo."
Correction: Pásame ese martillo para clavar el clavo. 'Equipo' refers to the whole collection of tools. For a single item, use a more specific word like 'herramienta' (tool) or 'aparato' (device).
⭐ Usage Tips
Think 'Set'
A good way to remember this meaning is to think of 'equipo' as 'a set of things for a purpose'. The 'equipo de acampar' is the set of things for camping (tent, sleeping bag, etc.). The 'equipo de sonido' is the set of things for sound (speakers, amplifier, etc.).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: equipo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'equipo' to mean a set of objects?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'equipo' and 'grupo'?
Think of it like this: an 'equipo' has a shared goal and its members work together to achieve it (like a sports team or a project team). A 'grupo' is just a collection of people who are together for some reason, but they aren't necessarily working together on a task (like a tour group or a group of friends).
Can I use 'equipo' to talk about my clothes?
Not usually. For an outfit, you would use words like 'conjunto' or 'atuendo'. 'Equipo' is more for functional gear or equipment, like 'equipo de lluvia' (rain gear) or 'equipo de esquí' (ski equipment).