cajero automático
/kaˌxeɾo autoˈmatiko/
The English phrase 'atm machine' is translated into Spanish as cajero automático.
This phrase refers to an electronic machine that allows people to withdraw cash from their bank accounts.
What does it mean word for word?
The term literally translates to 'automatic cashier'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a masculine noun phrase. For example, 'the atm machine' is written as el cajero automático using the masculine article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˌxeɾo autoˈmatiko/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly say máquina de cajero automático by translating 'machine' literally, but cajero automático is the standard term on its own.
Did you know?
- The word cajero can also refer to the human bank teller who works behind the counter, not just the machine.
- The root of cajero comes from the Latin 'capsa', which refers to a 'box' or 'chest'. This reflects the machine's function as a box that holds money.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, people simply say el cajero and drop the word automático entirely in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un cajero automático?Where can I find an ATM machine?
- Necesito sacar dinero de un cajero automáticoI need to withdraw money from an ATM machine
- ¿Hay algún cajero automático cerca?Is there an ATM machine nearby?
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un cajero?Where can I find an ATM?
- Necesito sacar dinero de un cajeroI need to withdraw money from an ATM
- ¿Hay algún cajero cerca?Is there an ATM nearby?
- Busco un cajero automático cerca de aquí.I am looking for an atm machine near here.
- El cajero automático no funciona hoy.The atm machine is not working today.
- Hay un cajero automático en el centro comercial.There is an atm machine in the shopping mall.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are walking in the city center.
- Elena¿Sabes dónde hay un cajero automático?Do you know where there is an atm machine?
- MateoHay uno al lado de la farmacia.There is one next to the pharmacy.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo. Necesito efectivo.Thanks, Mateo. I need cash.
- MateoDe nada, Elena. Ve rápido.You're welcome, Elena. Go quickly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cajero automático, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries automático, cajero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
