Inklingo
← Dictionary

instrumento

/een-stroo-MEN-toh/

tool

A close-up illustration of a sturdy wooden hammer with a shiny metal head, representing a common tool.

An instrumento can refer to a general device or tool, like this hammer.

instrumento(noun)

mA1

tool

?

general device

,

instrument

?

device for measurement or precision

Also:

implement

?

agricultural or manual tool

,

apparatus

?

scientific equipment

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Even though it ends in 'o', it follows the common pattern: 'instrumento' is always masculine (el instrumento), so use masculine adjectives with it.

⭐ Usage Tips

Tool vs. Instrument

While 'herramienta' is usually the best word for simple manual tools (like a hammer), 'instrumento' is preferred for precise, technical, or scientific devices.

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

This violin is an example of an instrumento musical.

instrumento(noun)

mA2

musical instrument

?

for playing music

Also:

horn

?

less common, specific type of instrument

📝 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
A tightly rolled parchment scroll tied with a red ribbon and secured by a large, circular red wax seal, representing a formal contract.

In a formal context, instrumento can mean a legal document, such as this sealed contract.

instrumento(noun)

mB2

legal document

?

a deed or contract

,

means

?

method or agent

Also:

deed

?

legal paperwork

,

channel

?

way of achieving something

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Formal Use

When referring to a legal paper, it often appears with words like 'público' (public) or 'notarial' (notary-related), indicating a very formal context.

✏️ 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

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).