instrumentos
/in-stroo-men-tos/
musical instruments
The word instrumentos refers to objects used to make music, such as these 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural and Masculine
Since this word ends in '-os,' it is plural. Remember it is a masculine word, so you must always use 'los' or masculine adjectives with it (e.g., 'los instrumentos nuevos').
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Music
When talking about music, 'instrumentos' is the standard term. You don't need to add 'musicales' unless you need to be extremely specific.
Instrumentos also translates to tools, which are specialized implements used for work.
📝 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.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Instrumentos vs. Herramientas
Mistake: "Using 'instrumentos' for simple manual tools like hammers or saws."
Correction: Use 'herramientas' for common, manual tools. Reserve 'instrumentos' for more specialized, scientific, or delicate equipment (like a microscope or a scalpel).
Instrumentos can represent the means or mechanisms used for achieving a goal.
instrumentos(Noun)
means
?Methods or mechanisms for achieving a goal
mechanisms
?Components of a policy or strategy
📝 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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Abstract Use
In this abstract sense, 'instrumentos' refers to non-physical tools—like laws, policies, or ideas—that are used to produce a desired outcome.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: instrumentos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'instrumentos' to mean 'tools for work' rather than 'music makers'?
📚 More Resources
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.