How to Say "apparatus" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “apparatus” is “aparato” — use 'aparato' when referring to a technical or political system, or a specific biological system within the body.
Use 'aparato' when referring to a technical or political system, or a specific biological system within the body.
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Choose 'dispositivo' for a general-purpose mechanism or gadget, especially electronic ones.
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Use 'instrumento' when referring to a tool or piece of equipment used for scientific measurement or a specific task.
Learn more →Opt for 'máquina' when the apparatus is a complex device with moving parts, often performing a specific function like sewing or printing.
Learn more →ah-pah-RAH-toha.paˈɾa.to
Examples
El médico estudió el aparato respiratorio del paciente.
The doctor studied the patient's respiratory system.
La burocracia es parte del aparato administrativo del gobierno.
Bureaucracy is part of the government's administrative apparatus.
El aparato de la cámara es muy complejo.
The camera's mechanism (internal workings) is very complex.
Body Parts and Articles
When talking about body systems, Spanish usually uses the definite article 'el' (the) instead of possessives (my/your): 'el aparato digestivo' (the digestive system), not 'mi aparato digestivo'.
dis-poh-see-TEE-vohdisposiˈtiβo
Examples
Este nuevo dispositivo móvil tiene una cámara increíble.
This new mobile device has an incredible camera.
Necesitas conectar el dispositivo a la red eléctrica para cargarlo.
You need to connect the device to the electrical grid to charge it.
El hospital utiliza un dispositivo especial para medir la presión arterial.
The hospital uses a special apparatus to measure blood pressure.
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'dispositivo' is always used with masculine articles: 'el dispositivo' (the device) or 'un dispositivo' (a device).
Gender Confusion
Mistake: “La dispositivo”
Correction: El dispositivo. Even though it ends in '-o', sometimes learners confuse it with other feminine nouns that end similarly. Always use 'el'.
een-stroo-MEN-tohinstɾuˈmento
Examples
Necesito un instrumento para medir la temperatura del agua.
I need an instrument/device to measure the water temperature.
El cirujano utilizó un instrumento muy pequeño y afilado.
The surgeon used a very small and sharp instrument.
Esta llave es el instrumento adecuado para abrir la caja.
This wrench is the right tool to open the box.
Gender Check
Even though it ends in 'o', it follows the common pattern: 'instrumento' is always masculine (el instrumento), so use masculine adjectives with it.
máquina
Examples
Mi abuela todavía usa una máquina de coser muy antigua.
My grandmother still uses a very old sewing machine.
Device vs. System
Learners often confuse 'dispositivo' (a general gadget) with 'aparato' (a system or structure). Remember that 'dispositivo' is for a standalone item, while 'aparato' often implies a connected or integrated set of parts, like a biological system.
Related Translations
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