mecanismo
/meh-kah-NEES-moh/
mechanism
A mechanism refers to the internal parts of a machine that work together.
mecanismo(noun)
mechanism
?the internal parts of a machine
works
?the moving parts of a device like a clock
,device
?a physical piece of equipment
📝 In Action
El mecanismo del reloj es muy delicado.
B1The watch's mechanism is very delicate.
No entiendo cómo funciona este mecanismo de apertura.
B2I don't understand how this opening mechanism works.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
This word is always masculine, so you must always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even if you are talking about a feminine machine.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Machine vs. Mechanism
Mistake: "Using 'mecanismo' when you mean the whole machine."
Correction: Use 'máquina' for the whole object (like a car) and 'mecanismo' for the internal parts that make it move.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
The 'c' sounds like a 'k' (meh-kah). Don't let the 'e' after it confuse you; in Spanish, 'ca' always sounds like 'ka'.
A mechanism can also describe a process or a specific way that something happens.
mecanismo(noun)
process
?a way of doing something
procedure
?a formal set of steps
,method
?a specific technique
📝 In Action
Necesitamos un mecanismo para resolver conflictos.
B2We need a mechanism/process for resolving conflicts.
El cerebro tiene mecanismos de defensa naturales.
C1The brain has natural defense mechanisms.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Use
Just like in English, you can use this word for things you can't touch, like a political system or a mental habit.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
In professional meetings, using 'mecanismo' instead of 'manera' (way) makes you sound more professional and precise.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mecanismo
Question 1 of 2
Which of these is a 'mecanismo de defensa'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'mecanismo' for a computer program?
Yes, if you are talking about a specific part of the code that performs a function, but 'función' or 'proceso' is often more common.
What's the difference between 'mecanismo' and 'aparato'?
An 'aparato' is the physical device itself (like a gadget), while 'mecanismo' refers to the way the parts inside that device work together.