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How to Say "man-made" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “man-made” is “artificial” — use this when referring to something created by humans rather than occurring naturally, often implying a lack of authenticity or natural origin.

English → Spanish

artificial

ar-tee-fee-SYALaɾtifiˈsjal

adjectiveA2general
Use this when referring to something created by humans rather than occurring naturally, often implying a lack of authenticity or natural origin.
A colorful plastic flower in a small clay pot.

Examples

Prefiero la luz natural a la luz artificial.

I prefer natural light over artificial light.

El campo tiene césped artificial.

The field has artificial grass.

Estamos estudiando la inteligencia artificial.

We are studying artificial intelligence.

One word for both genders

This word doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine things. You can say 'el lago artificial' or 'la flor artificial'—the ending stays the same!

Spelling check

Mistake: “artifisial”

Correction: artificial

artificiales

ar-tee-fee-see-AH-lesaɾtifiˈθjales

adjectiveB1general
This is the plural form of 'artificial' and is used to describe multiple items that are man-made or not natural.
A close-up illustration of a vase holding several colorful, obviously plastic flowers that are perfectly formed and unnaturally smooth.

Examples

Las flores artificiales no necesitan agua.

Artificial flowers do not need water.

Muchos atletas usan superficies artificiales para entrenar.

Many athletes use artificial surfaces to train.

El gobierno está invirtiendo en lagos artificiales para la ciudad.

The government is investing in artificial lakes for the city.

Adjective Agreement (Plural)

Since 'artificiales' ends in -es, it is used to describe more than one thing. It works for both masculine plural nouns (like 'lagos artificiales') and feminine plural nouns (like 'luces artificiales').

Position

This adjective usually goes right after the noun it describes, like in 'productos artificiales' (artificial products), to clearly show what kind of product you are talking about.

Forgetting the Plural Ending

Mistake: “Compramos flores artificial.”

Correction: Compramos flores artificiales. Remember, if you are talking about many flowers ('flores'), the describing word must also be plural.

sintético

adjectiveB1technical/materials
Use this specifically for materials like fibers, fabrics, or substances that are chemically made by humans, often as a substitute for natural ones.

Examples

Prefiero las telas naturales a los tejidos sintéticos.

I prefer natural fabrics over synthetic textiles.

humanos

oo-MAH-nohsuˈmanos

adjectiveA2general/philosophical
This is less common for 'man-made' and is typically used when emphasizing that something originates from or relates to people, often in the context of mistakes or characteristics.
A colorful illustration showing two distinct pairs of stylized hands, emphasizing characteristics or actions that are uniquely human.

Examples

Todos cometemos errores humanos.

We all make human errors.

El departamento de recursos humanos está contratando.

The human resources department is hiring.

Los cuerpos humanos son muy frágiles.

Human bodies are very fragile.

Agreement Rule

When humanos is used as an adjective, it must match the thing it describes. If the noun is masculine and plural (like errores or recursos), use humanos. If the noun is feminine and plural (like cualidades), you must say humanas.

Artificial vs. Sintético

The most common confusion is between 'artificial' and 'sintético'. Remember that 'artificial' is a broad term for anything not natural, while 'sintético' is specifically for man-made materials like fabrics or chemicals.

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