Inklingo

How to Say "gadget" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “gadget” is “aparato” — use 'aparato' for any small, general technical tool or device, especially when its specific function isn't the main focus.

aparato🔊A1

Use 'aparato' for any small, general technical tool or device, especially when its specific function isn't the main focus.

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dispositivo🔊B1

Choose 'dispositivo' for a small, handy, often modern electronic device, particularly when highlighting its utility or portability.

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accesorio🔊A2

Use 'accesorio' when the 'gadget' is an add-on or supplementary item, often for personal use or to enhance another device, like jewelry or a phone case.

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artefacto🔊B1

Consider 'artefacto' for a small, useful machine or tool, often implying a clever or somewhat complex mechanism, especially for practical tasks.

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chisme🔊B1

Use 'chisme' informally for a small mechanical or electronic tool when you don't know its name or function, similar to 'thingamajig' or 'gizmo'.

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English → Spanish

aparato

ah-pah-RAH-toha.paˈɾa.to

nounA1general
Use 'aparato' for any small, general technical tool or device, especially when its specific function isn't the main focus.
A vibrant, handheld electronic gadget featuring a large circular button and a small screen, designed in a simple, storybook style.

Examples

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-vohdisposiˈtiβo

nounB1general
Choose 'dispositivo' for a small, handy, often modern electronic device, particularly when highlighting its utility or portability.
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'.

accesorio

ahk-seh-SOH-ryohak.se.ˈso.ɾjo

nounA2general
Use 'accesorio' when the 'gadget' is an add-on or supplementary item, often for personal use or to enhance another device, like jewelry or a phone case.
A stylish red leather handbag and a yellow patterned scarf resting on a clean surface.

Examples

Ella lleva muchos accesorios tecnológicos en su bolso.

She carries many tech accessories in her bag.

Ella lleva muchos accesorios, como collares y pulseras.

She is wearing many accessories, like necklaces and bracelets.

El procesador de alimentos tiene un accesorio para picar hielo.

The food processor has an attachment for crushing ice.

Puedes comprar este accesorio por separado en la tienda.

You can buy this accessory separately at the store.

Always Masculine as a Noun

When talking about an item (like a watch or a belt), 'accesorio' is always masculine, even if the item itself is feminine.

Pluralization

To make it plural, just add an -s: 'accesorios'. It follows the standard rule for words ending in vowels.

Accesorias?

Mistake: “Me gustan estas accesorias.”

Correction: Me gustan estos accesorios. Even if you are referring to feminine items like earrings (arracadas), the word 'accesorio' stays masculine.

artefacto

ar-te-FAK-tohaɾteˈfakto

nounB1general
Consider 'artefacto' for a small, useful machine or tool, often implying a clever or somewhat complex mechanism, especially for practical tasks.
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.

chisme

CHEE-smehˈtʃisme

nounB1informal
Use 'chisme' informally for a small mechanical or electronic tool when you don't know its name or function, similar to 'thingamajig' or 'gizmo'.
A small, mysterious mechanical part with gears and a button on a wooden table.

Examples

¿Para qué sirve este chisme?

What is this thingy for?

Pásame ese chisme que está en la mesa.

Pass me that gadget that's on the table.

Tengo la casa llena de chismes viejos.

My house is full of old knick-knacks.

The ultimate 'placeholder' word

Just like 'thingy' in English, use 'chisme' when you are pointing at something but can't find the specific word for it.

Don't use for people

Mistake: “Ese chisme es mi amigo.”

Correction: No correction; 'chisme' only refers to objects or rumors, never people.

General vs. Specific Devices

The most common mistake is using 'aparato' or 'dispositivo' too broadly. Remember 'dispositivo' often implies a more modern electronic item, while 'aparato' is a more general term for any small technical tool. Use 'accesorio' only for add-ons, and 'chisme' for informal, unknown items.

Related Translations

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