maquinar
“maquinar” means “to plot” in Spanish (to secretly plan something, often something bad).
to plot, to scheme
Also: to hatch, to machine
📝 In Action
Los villanos están maquinando un plan para escapar.
A2The villains are plotting a plan to escape.
Lleva semanas maquinando cómo pedirle un aumento a su jefe.
B1She has been scheming for weeks about how to ask her boss for a raise.
Es peligroso dejar que ese hombre maquine en silencio.
B2It is dangerous to let that man plot in silence.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: maquinar
Question 1 of 3
What is the most common meaning of 'maquinar' in modern Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'machinari', which means to invent or devise a plan using your mind like a machine.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'maquinar' always negative?
Usually, yes. It implies that the plan is secret and perhaps a bit mischievous or harmful. However, it can sometimes be used playfully to describe someone thinking of a clever prank.
What is the difference between 'maquinar' and 'tramar'?
They are very similar! 'Tramar' is even more common in daily speech to mean 'to be up to something,' while 'maquinar' sounds a bit more calculated or formal.
Can I use 'maquinar' to say I am using a factory machine?
Technically yes, but it sounds very old-fashioned or specialized. Most people would use 'operar una máquina' or 'procesar' instead.