Inklingo

How to Say "machinery" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word formachineryis equiposuse 'equipos' when referring to a set of technical apparatus or devices, especially electronic ones, or equipment in a general sense.

English → Spanish

equipos

eh-KEE-pohseˈkipos

nounA2technical
Use 'equipos' when referring to a set of technical apparatus or devices, especially electronic ones, or equipment in a general sense.
A storybook illustration showing essential camping equipment, including a bright red backpack, a small tent, a rolled sleeping bag, and a lantern, neatly arranged on the ground.

Examples

Todos los equipos electrónicos deben estar apagados en el avión.

All electronic equipment must be turned off on the plane.

El laboratorio compró nuevos equipos para la investigación.

The lab bought new equipment for the research.

Necesitamos revisar los equipos de seguridad antes de escalar.

We need to check the safety gear before climbing.

Counting 'Equipment'

In Spanish, the word 'equipos' is often used in the plural (meaning 'pieces of equipment'), even though English often uses the singular, non-countable 'equipment.' If you want to talk about one specific item, you might use 'un aparato' or 'una pieza de equipo.'

maquinaria

mah-kee-nah-ryahmakiˈnaɾja

nounB1industrial
Use 'maquinaria' to refer to a collective group of machines, typically large, industrial, or complex ones.
A row of various colorful industrial machines like a conveyor belt and a large robot arm inside a clean factory.

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).

Distinguishing 'equipos' and 'maquinaria'

Learners often confuse 'equipos' and 'maquinaria' by using 'maquinaria' for any type of equipment. Remember that 'maquinaria' usually implies a collection of industrial or heavy machines, while 'equipos' is a more general term for devices and apparatus.

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