How to Say "mechanism" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “mechanism” is “mecanismo” — use 'mecanismo' when referring to the internal moving parts or components of a machine or device, emphasizing its mechanical operation.
mecanismo
meh-kah-NEES-mohme.ka.ˈnis.mo
Examples
El mecanismo del reloj es muy delicado.
The watch's mechanism is very delicate.
No entiendo cómo funciona este mecanismo de apertura.
I don't understand how this opening mechanism works.
Always Masculine
This word is always masculine, so you must always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even if you are talking about a feminine machine.
Machine vs. Mechanism
Mistake: “Using 'mecanismo' when you mean the whole machine.”
Correction: Use 'máquina' for the whole object (like a car) and 'mecanismo' for the internal parts that make it move.
aparato
ah-pah-RAH-toha.paˈɾa.to
Examples
El médico estudió el aparato respiratorio del paciente.
The doctor studied the patient's respiratory system.
La burocracia es parte del aparato administrativo del gobierno.
Bureaucracy is part of the government's administrative apparatus.
El aparato de la cámara es muy complejo.
The camera's mechanism (internal workings) is very complex.
Body Parts and Articles
When talking about body systems, Spanish usually uses the definite article 'el' (the) instead of possessives (my/your): 'el aparato digestivo' (the digestive system), not 'mi aparato digestivo'.
maquinaria
mah-kee-nah-ryahmakiˈnaɾja
Examples
La maquinaria del reloj es extremadamente precisa.
The watch's mechanism is extremely precise.
Es difícil detener la maquinaria electoral una vez que comienza.
It is difficult to stop the electoral machinery once it starts.
Conocemos bien la maquinaria interna del partido.
We know the internal workings of the party well.
Abstract Use
You can use this word to describe things you can't touch, like the 'machinery' of government or a law. It refers to how all the little parts work together to make the big thing move.
Mecanismo vs. Maquinaria
Related Translations
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