Inklingo

How to Say "machines" in Spanish

English → Spanish

máquinas

nounA1general
Use 'máquinas' for general mechanical or electronic devices, especially when referring to equipment in a factory or tools that perform work.

Examples

Las máquinas en la fábrica trabajan día y noche.

The machines in the factory work day and night.

computadoras

kohm-poo-tah-DOH-rahs/kompu.taˈðo.ɾas/

nounA1technical/informal
Use 'computadoras' specifically for computers, whether for personal use, office work, or technical applications.
A simple illustration showing a closed laptop computer on a flat surface.

Examples

Necesito tres computadoras nuevas para la oficina.

I need three new computers for the office.

Las computadoras portátiles son muy convenientes para viajar.

Laptop computers are very convenient for traveling.

Todas las computadoras de esta sala están conectadas a Internet.

All the computers in this room are connected to the Internet.

Plural Nouns (Feminine)

This word is the plural form of the feminine noun 'computadora'. To make most Spanish nouns plural, you simply add '-s' if the word ends in a vowel, or '-es' if it ends in a consonant.

Gender Agreement

Since 'computadoras' is feminine and plural, any descriptive words (adjectives) you use with it must also be feminine and plural (e.g., 'las computadoras rápidas'—the fast computers).

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Los computadoras.”

Correction: Las computadoras. The word 'computadora' is feminine, so it must use the feminine article 'las' in the plural.

robots

/roh-bots//roˈβots/

nounA1industrial
Use 'robots' when referring to automated machines, especially in industrial settings like manufacturing or assembly lines.
A pair of simple, friendly metallic robots with visible joints and antennas standing on a brightly colored surface.

Examples

Los robots están programados para ensamblar coches.

The robots are programmed to assemble cars.

En el futuro, tendremos más robots ayudándonos en casa.

In the future, we will have more robots helping us at home.

La fábrica utiliza robots avanzados para la producción.

The factory uses advanced robots for production.

Masculine Plural

Even though 'robots' ends in 's', the singular form is 'robot' (masculine). This means you must always use the masculine plural articles and adjectives: 'los robots', 'unos robots', 'robots inteligentes'.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “Las robots son rápidas.”

Correction: Los robots son rápidos. (Remember, it's a masculine noun, so everything describing it must be masculine.)

General Devices vs. Computers

The most common mistake is using 'máquinas' when you specifically mean 'computers'. While a computer is technically a machine, Spanish speakers use the distinct word 'computadora' for them. Reserve 'máquinas' for non-computer devices.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.