Inklingo

How to Say "machine" in Spanish

English → Spanish

máquina

nounA1general
Use 'máquina' for any mechanical or electronic device, from a car to a computer to a sewing machine.

Examples

Mi coche es una máquina muy fiable.

My car is a very reliable machine.

aparato

ah-pah-RAH-toha.paˈɾa.to

nounA1general
Use 'aparato' for a device or gadget, especially one that performs a specific function, like a kitchen appliance or electronic gadget.
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.

ingenio

een-HEN-yohinˈxenjo

nounC1formal/literary
Use 'ingenio' for an old-fashioned or literary term referring to a complex device or mechanism, particularly in an industrial or agricultural context.
A traditional colonial-style factory building with a large water wheel and tall chimneys surrounded by green sugar cane stalks.

Examples

Mi abuelo trabajó en un ingenio azucarero en Cuba.

My grandfather worked in a sugar mill in Cuba.

El ingenio de vapor revolucionó la industria.

The steam machine revolutionized the industry.

Visitamos las ruinas de un antiguo ingenio colonial.

We visited the ruins of an old colonial sugar mill.

Industry Specifics

When 'ingenio' refers to a building or factory, it almost always refers to sugar production in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Pluralizing

Mistake: “Los ingenias.”

Correction: The plural is 'los ingenios' because the word is masculine.

Máquina vs. Aparato

Learners often confuse 'máquina' and 'aparato'. While both can refer to devices, 'máquina' is the default for mechanical/electronic items, whereas 'aparato' leans towards gadgets or appliances with a specific function. When in doubt for a common device, 'máquina' is usually the safer bet.

Related Translations

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