Inklingo

How to Say "gadget" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “gadget” is “aparato” — use 'aparato' for a general, often small, technical tool or device that performs a specific function, especially when its exact nature is less important than its utility..

English → Spanish

aparato

/ah-pah-RAH-toh//a.paˈɾa.to/

nounA1
Use 'aparato' for a general, often small, technical tool or device that performs a specific function, especially when its exact nature is less important than its utility.
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 gadget 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.

dispositivo

dis-poh-see-TEE-voh/disposiˈtiβo/

nounB1
Opt for 'dispositivo' when referring to a small, handy, often electronic device, particularly one that is portable or part of a larger system.
A simplified, friendly-looking electronic device with a glowing screen, sitting on a colorful surface.

Examples

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/

nounB1
Choose 'artefacto' for a device, especially one that is somewhat complex or has a specific, often innovative, function, sometimes implying a bit more sophistication than 'aparato'.
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.

Choosing between 'aparato' and 'dispositivo'

Learners often confuse 'aparato' and 'dispositivo'. While both can mean 'gadget', 'dispositivo' is generally preferred for modern electronic and mobile devices, whereas 'aparato' is a broader term for any functional tool or machine.

Related Translations

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