Inklingo

How to Say "tool" in Spanish

English → Spanish

herramienta

ehr-rah-mee-EHN-tah/eraˈmjenta/

nounA1general
Use 'herramienta' for physical instruments like hammers and screwdrivers, or for abstract resources like software or methods.
A shiny silver hammer laying on a clean wooden surface.

Examples

El martillo es una herramienta muy útil.

The hammer is a very useful tool.

Guarda tus herramientas en la caja después de trabajar.

Put your tools in the box after working.

Esta aplicación es una herramienta excelente para aprender idiomas.

This app is an excellent tool for learning languages.

La educación es la herramienta más poderosa para cambiar el mundo.

Education is the most powerful tool to change the world.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine ('la herramienta'), even if you are talking about a tool used for a 'masculine' job like construction.

Abstract Use

You can use this word for anything that helps you reach a goal, not just items you hold in your hand.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “el herramienta”

Correction: la herramienta

herramienta

ehr-rah-mee-EHN-tah/eraˈmjenta/

nounB1general
Use 'herramienta' for abstract resources like software, methods, or helpful techniques.
A shiny silver hammer laying on a clean wooden surface.

Examples

Esta aplicación es una herramienta excelente para aprender idiomas.

This app is an excellent tool for learning languages.

El martillo es una herramienta muy útil.

The hammer is a very useful tool.

Guarda tus herramientas en la caja después de trabajar.

Put your tools in the box after working.

La educación es la herramienta más poderosa para cambiar el mundo.

Education is the most powerful tool to change the world.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine ('la herramienta'), even if you are talking about a tool used for a 'masculine' job like construction.

Abstract Use

You can use this word for anything that helps you reach a goal, not just items you hold in your hand.

Gender confusion

Mistake: “el herramienta”

Correction: la herramienta

instrumento

een-stroo-MEN-toh/instɾuˈmento/

nounA1general
Use 'instrumento' for a general device or apparatus, often one used for measurement or a specific function.
A close-up illustration of a sturdy wooden hammer with a shiny metal head, representing a common tool.

Examples

Necesito un instrumento para medir la temperatura del agua.

I need an instrument/device to measure the water temperature.

El cirujano utilizó un instrumento muy pequeño y afilado.

The surgeon used a very small and sharp instrument.

Esta llave es el instrumento adecuado para abrir la caja.

This wrench is the right tool to open the box.

Gender Check

Even though it ends in 'o', it follows the common pattern: 'instrumento' is always masculine (el instrumento), so use masculine adjectives with it.

útil

nounB1general
Use 'útil' for a practical implement or device, especially one that is essential or frequently used for a task.

Examples

El carpintero siempre lleva su útil principal consigo.

The carpenter always carries his main tool with him.

juguete

/hoo-GEH-teh//xuˈɣete/

nounB2figurative
Use 'juguete' figuratively to describe a person who is manipulated or treated as insignificant by others.
A simplified illustration of a person depicted as a wooden marionette puppet, hanging from visible control strings.

Examples

Se sentía como un juguete en manos de su jefe, que lo usaba para todo.

He felt like a plaything in the hands of his boss, who used him for everything.

La prensa lo trató como un juguete político desechable.

The press treated him like a disposable political tool/plaything.

Herramienta vs. Instrumento

Learners often confuse 'herramienta' and 'instrumento.' Remember that 'herramienta' is more common for everyday physical tools and abstract resources, while 'instrumento' usually refers to a specific device, often for measurement or performance.

Related Translations

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