Inklingo

How to Say "engine" in Spanish

English → Spanish

motor

moh-TOHR/moˈtoɾ/

nounA1general
Use 'motor' for the general mechanical device that powers a vehicle, like in a car, motorcycle, or airplane.
A simplified, brightly colored engine block featuring large gears and pistons, representing a mechanical device.

Examples

El motor de mi coche hace un ruido extraño.

My car's engine is making a strange noise.

El coche no arranca; el mecánico dijo que el motor necesita reparación.

The car won't start; the mechanic said the engine needs repair.

Este barco utiliza un motor fuera de borda muy potente.

This boat uses a very powerful outboard motor.

El ascensor tiene un motor eléctrico que funciona con muy poco ruido.

The elevator has an electric motor that runs very quietly.

Gender Alert

Even though 'motor' ends in -or, which sometimes makes a noun feminine (like 'flor'), this word is always masculine: 'el motor'.

máquina

nounB1general
Use 'máquina' when referring to the engine specifically as the power-generating unit, especially if it has overheated or is the focus of a problem.

Examples

La máquina del tren se averió y tuvimos que esperar.

The train's engine broke down and we had to wait.

Motor vs. Máquina

Learners often mistakenly use 'máquina' for any engine. Remember that 'motor' is the default and most common translation for a vehicle's engine. Reserve 'máquina' for when you specifically want to emphasize the engine as a power source or a complex piece of machinery.

Related Translations

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