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 task, like sports or camping.
equipo
eh-KEE-poheˈkipo
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).
equipamiento
eh-kee-pah-myehn-tohekipaˈmjento
Examples
Para escalar esta montaña, necesitas el equipamiento adecuado.
To climb this mountain, you need the right gear.
El hospital compró nuevo equipamiento médico de alta tecnología.
The hospital bought new high-tech medical equipment.
El equipamiento del laboratorio es muy costoso.
The laboratory equipment is very expensive.
A 'Group' Word
Even though you might have fifty different tools, you usually refer to them collectively as 'el equipamiento' in the singular form.
Describing the Equipment
When you want to say what kind of equipment it is, just add the describing word right after: 'equipamiento militar' (military equipment) or 'equipamiento técnico' (technical equipment).
Don't confuse it with 'Equipaje'
Mistake: “Perdí mi equipamiento en el aeropuerto.”
Correction: Perdí mi equipaje en el aeropuerto.
materiales
mah-teh-RYAH-lehsma.teˈɾja.les
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.
herramientas
ehr-ra-mee-EN-tase.raˈmjen.tas
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'.
máquinas
Examples
Las máquinas en la fábrica trabajan día y noche.
The machines in the factory work day and night.
maquinaria
mah-kee-nah-ryahmakiˈnaɾja
Examples
La fábrica ha invertido en nueva maquinaria industrial.
The factory has invested in new industrial machinery.
Necesitamos maquinaria pesada para mover estas piedras.
We need heavy machinery to move these stones.
El mantenimiento de la maquinaria agrícola es fundamental.
Maintenance of agricultural machinery is essential.
A 'Group' Word
Just like the word 'furniture' in English, 'maquinaria' describes a whole group of things. Even if there are ten machines, you usually use the singular word 'maquinaria' to talk about them as a whole set.
Gender Check
This word is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, regardless of whether the machines themselves are big or small.
Machines vs. Machinery
Mistake: “La maquinaria es rota.”
Correction: La máquina está rota (The machine is broken).
kit
kitkit
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.
dotación
Examples
El laboratorio cuenta con una dotación moderna de microscopios.
The laboratory has a modern set of microscopes.
Equipo vs. Equipamiento
Related Translations
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