Inklingo

How to Say "motor" in Spanish

English → Spanish

motor

moh-TOHR/moˈtoɾ/

NounA1General
Use 'motor' for the general term for an engine or motor, especially in vehicles or electrical devices.
A simplified, brightly colored engine block featuring large gears and pistons, representing a mechanical device.

Examples

El coche no arranca; el mecánico dijo que el motor necesita reparación.

The car won't start; the mechanic said the engine needs repair.

Este barco utiliza un motor fuera de borda muy potente.

This boat uses a very powerful outboard motor.

El ascensor tiene un motor eléctrico que funciona con muy poco ruido.

The elevator has an electric motor that runs very quietly.

Gender Alert

Even though 'motor' ends in -or, which sometimes makes a noun feminine (like 'flor'), this word is always masculine: 'el motor'.

máquina

NounB1General
Use 'máquina' when referring to a more complex mechanical driving mechanism, often implying a larger or more industrial piece of equipment.

Examples

El bote perdió potencia porque la máquina se sobrecalentó.

The boat lost power because the engine overheated.

Choosing Between 'Motor' and 'Máquina'

Learners often use 'motor' for all engine-related contexts. Remember that 'máquina' is typically used for more complex or industrial machinery, while 'motor' is the go-to for everyday vehicles and electrical motors.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.