Inklingo

How to Say "man-made" in Spanish

English → Spanish

artificial

/ar-tee-fee-SYAL//aɾtifiˈsjal/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'artificial' 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-les//aɾtifiˈθjales/

adjectiveB1general
Use the plural form 'artificiales' when describing 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.

humanos

oo-MAH-nohs/uˈmanos/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'humanos' when the 'man-made' aspect specifically refers to something originating from or characteristic of human beings, often in the context of flaws or actions.
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. Humanos

Learners often confuse 'artificial' with 'humanos'. Remember that 'artificial' describes things made by humans as opposed to nature, while 'humanos' refers to qualities or actions inherent to people, like mistakes or emotions.

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