Inklingo

How to Say "devices" in Spanish

English → Spanish

equipos

eh-KEE-pohs/eˈkipos/

nounA2general
Use 'equipos' when referring to electronic machinery or technical equipment, especially in professional or technological contexts.
A storybook illustration showing essential camping equipment, including a bright red backpack, a small tent, a rolled sleeping bag, and a lantern, neatly arranged on the ground.

Examples

Todos los equipos electrónicos deben estar apagados en el avión.

All electronic devices must be turned off on the plane.

El laboratorio compró nuevos equipos para la investigación.

The lab bought new equipment for the research.

Necesitamos revisar los equipos de seguridad antes de escalar.

We need to check the safety gear before climbing.

Counting 'Equipment'

In Spanish, the word 'equipos' is often used in the plural (meaning 'pieces of equipment'), even though English often uses the singular, non-countable 'equipment.' If you want to talk about one specific item, you might use 'un aparato' or 'una pieza de equipo.'

máquinas

nounA1general
Choose 'máquinas' for general mechanical equipment or apparatus that perform a specific function, often in industrial or operational settings.

Examples

Las máquinas en la fábrica trabajan día y noche.

The machines in the factory work day and night.

recursos

/reh-KOOR-sos//reˈkuɾsos/

nounB2formal
Use 'recursos' in a more abstract or figurative sense, referring to tools, means, or methods used to achieve a goal, especially in rhetoric or literature.
A wooden plank laid across a small gap between two grassy hills, serving as a means to cross.

Examples

El orador usó varios recursos estilísticos para captar la atención.

The speaker used various stylistic devices (means) to capture attention.

No tenemos los recursos técnicos necesarios para esa reparación.

We don't have the necessary technical means (or tools) for that repair.

Su mayor recurso es su habilidad para improvisar.

His greatest resource (or asset/skill) is his ability to improvise.

Singular vs. Plural

When talking about a specific skill or tool, you might use the singular 'recurso' (e.g., 'su único recurso era correr' - his only resource was to run).

Equipos vs. Máquinas

Learners often confuse 'equipos' and 'máquinas' because both refer to equipment. Remember that 'equipos' is typically for electronic or technical gear, while 'máquinas' is for more general, often mechanical, apparatus.

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