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instrumento

een-stroo-MEN-tohinstɾuˈmento

tool, instrument

Also: implement, apparatus
NounmA1
A close-up illustration of a sturdy wooden hammer with a shiny metal head, representing a common tool.

📝 In Action

Necesito un instrumento para medir la temperatura del agua.

A1

I need an instrument/device to measure the water temperature.

El cirujano utilizó un instrumento muy pequeño y afilado.

B1

The surgeon used a very small and sharp instrument.

Esta llave es el instrumento adecuado para abrir la caja.

A2

This wrench is the right tool to open the box.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • instrumento de medición – measuring instrument
  • instrumento quirúrgico – surgical instrument

musical instrument

Also: horn
NounmA2
A simple, detailed illustration of a brown wooden violin and its bow resting on a soft surface.

📝 In Action

Mi instrumento favorito es el piano, pero toco la guitarra.

A2

My favorite instrument is the piano, but I play the guitar.

Ella necesita un estuche nuevo para proteger su instrumento.

A2

She needs a new case to protect her instrument.

Hay muchos tipos de instrumentos de cuerda y de viento.

B1

There are many types of string and wind instruments.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • música (music)
  • melodía (melody)

Common Collocations

  • instrumento de cuerda – string instrument
  • instrumento de viento – wind instrument

legal document, means

Also: deed, channel
NounmB2formal
A tightly rolled parchment scroll tied with a red ribbon and secured by a large, circular red wax seal, representing a formal contract.

📝 In Action

El notario preparó el instrumento de compraventa de la propiedad.

C1

The notary prepared the legal document (deed) for the sale of the property.

La diplomacia fue el instrumento clave para resolver el conflicto.

B2

Diplomacy was the key means/instrument to resolve the conflict.

Necesitamos un instrumento legal que respalde nuestra decisión.

B2

We need a legal document that supports our decision.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • instrumento público – public deed/document
  • instrumento legal – legal instrument

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: instrumento

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'instrumento' in its most abstract sense (Meaning 3)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
instrumental(instrumental (adjective)) — Adjective
instrumentación(instrumentation) — Noun
instrumentar(to orchestrate/to implement) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin word *instrumentum*, which meant 'equipment' or 'tool.' It has maintained this core meaning across centuries, simply expanding to cover modern tools and abstract concepts like legal documents.

First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

English: instrumentPortuguese: instrumentoItalian: strumento

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'instrumento' the same as 'herramienta'?

They are very similar! 'Herramienta' usually refers to simple, manual tools (like a hammer or screwdriver). 'Instrumento' is generally used for more complex, specialized, scientific, or musical devices.

Does 'instrumento' change form if I'm talking about more than one?

Yes, like most Spanish nouns, you just add an 's' to make it plural: 'un instrumento' (one instrument) becomes 'muchos instrumentos' (many instruments).