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How to Say "power unit" in Spanish

English → Spanish

generador

heh-neh-rah-DOR/xeneɾaˈðoɾ/

nounB1general
Use 'generador' when referring to a machine that produces electricity, especially as a backup source.
A simple, blocky electrical generator machine sitting on the ground, connected by a cord to a brightly glowing lightbulb, illustrating the production of energy.

Examples

Necesitamos un generador de emergencia si se va la luz.

We need an emergency generator if the power goes out.

El ruido del generador no me deja dormir.

The noise from the generator doesn't let me sleep.

Esta aplicación es un generador de códigos QR.

This application is a QR code generator.

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though it ends in '-or', this word is masculine and uses 'el' or 'un'. Remember to use 'la generadora' only when referring to the feminine adjective or the machine itself is referred to using the feminine noun 'máquina generadora'.

motor

moh-TOHR/moˈtoɾ/

nounA1technical/industrial
Use 'motor' when referring to the engine or the component within a vehicle or machine that provides motive power.
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'.

Generador vs. Motor

Learners often confuse 'generador' and 'motor' because both are related to power. Remember that 'generador' creates electrical power, while 'motor' provides mechanical motion.

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