Inklingo

How to Say "appliance" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “appliance” is “aparato” — use 'aparato' for general household machines or electronic devices that perform a specific function, often referring to larger items like a television or a refrigerator, or even a general 'device'..

aparato🔊A1

Use 'aparato' for general household machines or electronic devices that perform a specific function, often referring to larger items like a television or a refrigerator, or even a general 'device'.

{ui.learnMore}
máquinaA1

Use 'máquina' when referring to equipment or machinery, especially those with moving parts or a clear mechanical function, like a sewing machine or a washing machine.

{ui.learnMore}
dispositivo🔊B1

Opt for 'dispositivo' when referring to smaller, often electronic, gadgets or devices, particularly portable ones like smartphones, tablets, or other compact technological items.

{ui.learnMore}
artefacto🔊B1

Use 'artefacto' for a manufactured object, often one with a specific purpose, which can include household items but also carries a slightly more technical or even historical connotation.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

aparato

/ah-pah-RAH-toh//a.paˈɾa.to/

nounA1household machine
Use 'aparato' for general household machines or electronic devices that perform a specific function, often referring to larger items like a television or a refrigerator, or even a general 'device'.
A vibrant, handheld electronic gadget featuring a large circular button and a small screen, designed in a simple, storybook style.

Examples

Necesito comprar un aparato nuevo para la cocina.

I need to buy a new appliance for the kitchen.

Necesito cargar el aparato antes de salir.

I need to charge the device before leaving.

Compramos un aparato nuevo para hacer café.

We bought a new appliance to make coffee.

¿Sabes cómo funciona este pequeño aparato?

Do you know how this small gadget works?

Gender Rule

Even though many Spanish words ending in '-a' are feminine, words ending in '-o' like 'aparato' are almost always masculine (el aparato).

Using the feminine article

Mistake: “La aparato”

Correction: El aparato. Always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un' with this word.

máquina

nounA1Household equipment
Use 'máquina' when referring to equipment or machinery, especially those with moving parts or a clear mechanical function, like a sewing machine or a washing machine.

Examples

La máquina de lavar está haciendo un ruido extraño.

The washing machine is making a strange noise.

dispositivo

dis-poh-see-TEE-voh/disposiˈtiβo/

nounB1small household machine
Opt for 'dispositivo' when referring to smaller, often electronic, gadgets or devices, particularly portable ones like smartphones, tablets, or other compact technological items.
A simplified, friendly-looking electronic device with a glowing screen, sitting on a colorful surface.

Examples

Mi nuevo dispositivo móvil tiene una cámara increíble.

This new mobile device has an incredible camera.

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'.

artefacto

/ar-te-FAK-toh//aɾteˈfakto/

nounB1household machinery
Use 'artefacto' for a manufactured object, often one with a specific purpose, which can include household items but also carries a slightly more technical or even historical connotation.
A small, sleek handheld gadget with glowing blue lights and circular buttons.

Examples

Este artefacto ayuda a limpiar el agua de forma natural.

This device helps to clean water naturally.

No sé cómo funciona este extraño artefacto de cocina.

I don't know how this strange kitchen gadget works.

Always Masculine

This word is always masculine, even if the machine it describes is a feminine noun like 'máquina'.

Artifact vs. Artefacto

Mistake: “Using 'artefacto' only for old museum items.”

Correction: In Spanish, 'artefacto' is very commonly used for modern machines and gadgets, not just ancient history.

Aparato vs. Dispositivo

The most common confusion is between 'aparato' and 'dispositivo'. While 'aparato' is a broader term for a household machine, 'dispositivo' specifically refers to smaller, often electronic or portable gadgets. Think of a large kitchen machine as an 'aparato' and a smartphone as a 'dispositivo'.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.