máquina
/MAH-kee-nah/
machine
Máquina, meaning a mechanical or electronic device (machine).
máquina(noun)
machine
?Any mechanical or electronic device
,apparatus
?A collection of instruments or tools
appliance
?Household equipment
📝 In Action
Mi abuela todavía usa una máquina de coser muy antigua.
A1My grandmother still uses a very old sewing machine.
Puse dinero en la máquina de bebidas, pero no salió nada.
A2I put money in the drinks machine, but nothing came out.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun Rule
Even though 'máquina' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun, so you must always use feminine articles with it (la máquina, una máquina).
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Word Combinations
You will often see 'máquina' followed by 'de' + the object it processes (e.g., máquina de café, máquina de lavar).
Máquina can also mean an engine, the power source of a vehicle.
📝 In Action
El bote perdió potencia porque la máquina se sobrecalentó.
B1The boat lost power because the engine overheated.
Necesitamos un motor más potente para esta máquina industrial.
B2We need a more powerful motor for this industrial machine.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Máquina' and 'Motor'
Mistake: "Using 'máquina' for small electric motors (like in toys)."
Correction: 'Máquina' usually refers to large, complex engines (like cars or boats). For small things, use 'motorcito' or just 'motor'.
Figuratively, máquina means an ace, someone highly proficient.
máquina(noun)
ace
?Someone highly proficient
,powerhouse
?A person of great energy and effectiveness
whiz
?A genius or expert
📝 In Action
Pedro terminó el proyecto en dos horas. ¡Es una máquina!
B2Pedro finished the project in two hours. He's an ace!
Nuestra nueva programadora es una máquina; escribe código rapidísimo.
C1Our new programmer is a powerhouse; she writes code incredibly fast.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and People
When 'máquina' refers to a man, you still use 'la máquina' or 'una máquina' because the noun's gender is fixed (it does not change to 'el' or 'un').
⭐ Usage Tips
Informal Praise
This usage is a high compliment used among friends or colleagues to express amazement at someone's speed, efficiency, or skill.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: máquina
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'máquina' in its figurative, informal sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If I am complimenting a male friend, should I use 'el máquina' or 'la máquina'?
You must use 'la máquina' (Ella/Él es una máquina). 'Máquina' is a feminine noun, and its gender never changes, even if the person you are referring to is male. It's the noun that is feminine, not the person.
Does 'máquina' always mean a complex piece of equipment?
Generally, yes. While you *could* technically call a simple device a 'máquina,' Spanish speakers usually use 'aparato' or 'dispositivo' for small gadgets. 'Máquina' implies size, power, or complexity (like a copier, car engine, or industrial loom).