instrumentos
“instrumentos” means “musical instruments” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
musical instruments
📝 In Action
Mi hermano toca tres instrumentos diferentes.
A1My brother plays three different instruments.
La tienda vende guitarras y otros instrumentos de cuerda.
A2The store sells guitars and other stringed instruments.
tools
Also: implements
📝 In Action
Los instrumentos quirúrgicos deben estar esterilizados.
B1The surgical tools must be sterilized.
El laboratorio compró nuevos instrumentos de alta precisión.
B2The laboratory bought new high-precision instruments.
means
Also: mechanisms
📝 In Action
La diplomacia y la negociación son instrumentos esenciales para la paz.
C1Diplomacy and negotiation are essential instruments for peace.
El gobierno utiliza los impuestos como instrumentos de política económica.
C2The government uses taxes as instruments of economic policy.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: instrumentos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'instrumentos' to mean 'tools for work' rather than 'music makers'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *instrumentum*, which meant 'equipment' or 'tool.' It is based on the verb *instruere*, meaning 'to build' or 'to arrange.' So, an instrument is literally something arranged or set up for a purpose.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'instrumentos' y 'herramientas'?
Both mean 'tools,' but 'herramientas' (like a hammer or screwdriver) usually refers to manual, often rough, tools used for construction or repair. 'Instrumentos' (like a microscope or a violin) usually refers to more precise, delicate, or specialized items used in fields like science, medicine, or music.