maquinaria
“maquinaria” means “machinery” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
machinery
Also: equipment
📝 In Action
La fábrica ha invertido en nueva maquinaria industrial.
B1The factory has invested in new industrial machinery.
Necesitamos maquinaria pesada para mover estas piedras.
B2We need heavy machinery to move these stones.
El mantenimiento de la maquinaria agrícola es fundamental.
B2Maintenance of agricultural machinery is essential.
mechanism
Also: workings
📝 In Action
La maquinaria del reloj es extremadamente precisa.
B2The watch's mechanism is extremely precise.
Es difícil detener la maquinaria electoral una vez que comienza.
C1It is difficult to stop the electoral machinery once it starts.
Conocemos bien la maquinaria interna del partido.
C1We know the internal workings of the party well.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: maquinaria
Question 1 of 3
Which word would you use to describe a single, broken coffee maker?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'machinaria,' which comes from 'machina' (a device or machine). This can be traced further back to Greek words meaning 'a means' or 'a way to do something.'
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'maquinaria' plural?
No, it is a singular noun that represents a plural concept (like the word 'staff' or 'team'). You say 'la maquinaria es' not 'la maquinaria son'.
Can I use 'maquinaria' for my laptop?
Not really. For electronics like computers, 'equipo' (equipment) or 'hardware' is more appropriate. 'Maquinaria' usually implies mechanical parts like gears and engines.
What is 'maquinaria pesada'?
This refers to 'heavy machinery' like bulldozers, excavators, and cranes used in construction.