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How to Say "manufacturing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “manufacturing” is “fabricación” — use 'fabricación' when referring to the general industrial process of making goods, often with a focus on the act of production itself.

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fabricación

nounA2industrial process
Use 'fabricación' when referring to the general industrial process of making goods, often with a focus on the act of production itself.

Examples

La fabricación de este coche toma dos días.

The manufacturing of this car takes two days.

producción

nounA2industrial context
Choose 'producción' when discussing the output or quantity of goods produced in an industrial setting, emphasizing the result of the manufacturing process.

Examples

La producción de coches en la fábrica aumentó este mes.

Car production at the factory increased this month.

industria

in-DUS-triainˈdustɾja

nounA2the physical production of goods
Use 'industria' when referring to the broader sector or the physical plant where goods are manufactured, often in relation to economic activity.
A large, simple factory building with multiple smoke stacks releasing white steam, set against a bright blue sky.

Examples

La industria automotriz genera millones de empleos.

The automotive industry generates millions of jobs.

Necesitamos invertir más en industria pesada.

We need to invest more in heavy industry (manufacturing).

La industria del cine en México está creciendo mucho.

The film industry in Mexico is growing rapidly.

Gender and Articles

Since 'industria' ends in '-a', it is a feminine noun. You must always use the feminine article 'la' (the) or 'una' (a/an) before it.

Confusing 'Industria' and 'Fábrica'

Mistake: “Using 'industria' when you mean a specific building.”

Correction: 'Industria' refers to the whole economic category, while 'fábrica' means a specific factory building. (e.g., 'Trabajo en una fábrica' / I work in a factory.)

elaboración

nounB1industrial process
Opt for 'elaboración' when the process involves detailed steps, craftsmanship, or the creation of something more complex or refined, like food or specific crafts.

Examples

La elaboración del queso artesanal requiere mucha paciencia.

Making artisanal cheese requires a lot of patience.

Fabricación vs. Producción

Learners often confuse 'fabricación' and 'producción'. 'Fabricación' focuses on the making process itself, while 'producción' emphasizes the output or quantity of what's made. Think of 'fabricación' as the factory's work and 'producción' as the number of items it churns out.

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