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How to Say "equipment" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “equipment” is “equipo” — use 'equipo' for a general set of tools or items needed for a specific activity or group effort..

English → Spanish

equipo

/eh-KEE-poh//eˈkipo/

nounA2general
Use 'equipo' for a general set of tools or items needed for a specific activity or group effort.
A neatly arranged collection of camping gear, including a rolled-up tent, a large backpack, and a lantern, sitting on green grass.

Examples

Para acampar, necesitas el equipo correcto.

To go camping, you need the right equipment.

El fotógrafo tiene un equipo que cuesta miles de euros.

The photographer has gear that costs thousands of euros.

Mi equipo de sonido es muy viejo, pero funciona bien.

My sound system is very old, but it works well.

Singular for a Collection

Just like in English, 'equipo' is a singular word that refers to a whole set of items. You say 'El equipo es nuevo' (The equipment is new), not 'son nuevos', even though you're talking about multiple things.

Using 'Equipo' for a Single Item

Mistake: “Pásame ese equipo para clavar el clavo.”

Correction: Pásame ese martillo para clavar el clavo. 'Equipo' refers to the whole collection of tools. For a single item, use a more specific word like 'herramienta' (tool) or 'aparato' (device).

herramientas

/ehr-ra-mee-EN-tas//e.raˈmjen.tas/

nounA1general
Use 'herramientas' when referring to specific tools, especially those used for manual labor or repairs.
A simplistic illustration showing three common hand tools: a red-handled hammer, a silver wrench, and a blue-handled screwdriver.

Examples

Necesitas un martillo y otras herramientas para colgar el cuadro.

You need a hammer and other tools to hang the painting.

Todas las herramientas están guardadas en la caja roja.

All the tools are stored in the red box.

Always Plural in Context

Even if you only mean one kind of tool, like 'digital tools,' the word is usually used in its plural form, 'herramientas'.

materiales

/mah-teh-RYAH-lehs//ma.teˈɾja.les/

nounA1general
Use 'materiales' for the supplies or raw items needed to complete a specific task or project, like school supplies or construction materials.
A collection of colorful building materials, including wooden blocks, rolls of fabric, and tubes of paint, neatly arranged.

Examples

Olvidé mis materiales escolares en casa.

I forgot my school supplies at home.

Necesitamos comprar los materiales de construcción para empezar la obra.

We need to buy the construction materials to start the work.

Los materiales didácticos están disponibles en línea.

The teaching resources are available online.

Always Plural for Supplies

When referring to 'supplies' or 'gear' in general, Spanish almost always uses the plural form 'materiales,' even if in English you might say 'material' (singular).

Mixing up 'Material' and 'Tela'

Mistake: “Using 'material' to mean 'fabric' or 'cloth.'”

Correction: Use 'tela' (fabric) or 'tejido' (textile) when talking about clothing or sewing. Use 'materiales' for general supplies or substances.

kit

/kit//kit/

nounA2general
Use 'kit' for a pre-packaged set of items specifically designed for a particular purpose or emergency.
A small, open wooden box containing three distinct tools: a red hammer, a yellow screwdriver, and a blue wrench, illustrating a collection of components.

Examples

Siempre llevo un kit de costura pequeño cuando viajo.

I always carry a small sewing kit when I travel.

El kit de reparación de bicicletas no incluía la bomba.

The bicycle repair kit did not include the pump.

Necesitamos comprar un kit de primeros auxilios para la oficina.

We need to buy a first aid kit for the office.

Gender Rule for Loanwords

Even though 'kit' comes from English and doesn't follow typical Spanish noun endings, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el kit'.

Confusing Pluralization

Mistake: “Using 'los kit' for the plural.”

Correction: The correct plural adds an 's' just like in English: 'los kits'. Remember to change the article too.

máquinas

nounA1general
Use 'máquinas' when referring to mechanical devices or apparatus that perform a specific function, often industrial.

Examples

Las máquinas en la fábrica trabajan día y noche.

The machines in the factory work day and night.

Equipo vs. Herramientas

Learners often confuse 'equipo' and 'herramientas.' Remember that 'equipo' is a broader term for a collection of items for an activity, while 'herramientas' specifically refers to tools used for manual tasks or repairs.

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