cajero automático
/kaˌxeɾo autoˈmatiko/masculine
In Spanish, 'atm' is translated as cajero automático. Wiktionary also lists cajero.
Meaning: (banking) automated teller machine (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cajero automático | /kaˌxeɾo autoˈmatiko/ | masculine |
| cajero | /kaˈxeɾo/ | masculine |
The term refers to an automated teller machine used for banking transactions.
What does it mean word for word?
The word cajero literally means 'teller' or 'cashier', which is why it is used to refer to the machine itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˌxeɾo autoˈmatiko/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly assume cajero only refers to a human bank teller, but in many contexts, it is the standard way to refer to the machine.
Did you know?
- The term automático is derived from the Ancient Greek word autómatos, which originally meant 'acting of one's own will'.
- While cajero is used for ATMs, the word caja is also used to refer to the entire 'cash desk' or 'checkout' in a supermarket.
- In Spain, it is common to see the word cajero used alone in signage, omitting automático entirely, even in formal banking environments.
Examples in context
- ¿Es eso un cajero?Is this an ATM?This sentence is useful for asking if a specific object is a cajero.Tatoeba #13477893 by Seael, translation #13477890 by frpzzd
- ¿Hay algún cajero automático por acá?Is there an ATM around here?This sentence is useful for asking if there is a cajero automático nearby.Tatoeba #1439501 by hayastan, translation #1115799 by CK
- Saqué algo de dinero de un cajero automático.I got some money from an ATM.This sentence is useful for stating that money was withdrawn from a cajero automático.Tatoeba #2331078 by marcelostockle, translation #2329628 by CK
- Disculpe, ¿dónde se encuentra el cajero automático más cercano?Excuse me, where is the nearest ATM?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are walking in the city center.
- Alejandro¿Sabes dónde hay un cajero automático?Do you know where there is an ATM?
- ElenaHay uno cerca de la farmacia.There is one near the pharmacy.
- AlejandroPerfecto, necesito usar el cajero automático ahora.Perfect, I need to use the ATM now.
- ElenaVamos, Alejandro, yo te acompaño.Let's go, Alejandro, I will go with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “atm” translations and entries cajero automático, cajero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries automático, cajero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
