cámara
/ˈkamaɾa/feminine
The English word 'camera' (referring to a still camera) is translated into Spanish as cámara. Wiktionary also lists cámara fotográfica and fotocámara.
Meaning: still camera (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cámara | /ˈkamaɾa/ | feminine |
| cámara fotográfica | /kamaɾa fotoɡɾafika/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| fotocámara | /fotokamaɾa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| kódak | /kodak/ (from spelling rules) | Peru, feminine |
| kodak | /kodak/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
This term is used to describe the device used to take still photographs.
Which one should you use?
While cámara is the standard term, cámara fotográfica is a more precise way to specify a still camera and distinguish it from a video camera. In more formal contexts, you may also see the term aparato fotográfico.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, people often use the expression máquina de fotos to mean camera. In Peru, the brand name kódak (or sometimes kodak) is used colloquially as a generic term for a camera.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms for camera are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkamaɾa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to include the accent mark and write camara. Ensure you include the accent on the first syllable to indicate the stress: cámara.
Did you know?
- The term cámara can also refer to an inner tube for a tire or bicycle, which is a common source of confusion for beginners.
- In a political context, cámara refers to a legislative body, such as the Cámara de Diputados in many Spanish-speaking countries.
- The word cámara shares its roots with the English word 'chamber'. Both terms originally described an arched, vaulted space or a room.
Examples in context
- La cámara es vieja.The camera is old.This sentence shows how to describe the age of a cámara.Tatoeba #2135899 by marcelostockle, translation #13078010 by araneo
- Te daré esta cámara.I'll give you this camera.This sentence demonstrates the use of cámara when offering an object.Tatoeba #710191 by Shishir, translation #17561 by CK
- Él tiene una cámara.He has a camera.This sentence shows the possession of a cámara.Tatoeba #1281287 by marcelostockle, translation #289578 by CK
- Necesito comprar una cámara nueva para mis fotografías.I need to buy a new camera for my photographs.
- El aparato fotográfico que compré tiene una excelente resolución.The camera I bought has excellent resolution.
- La máquina de fotos que tengo tiene un zoom impresionante.The camera I have has an impressive zoom.
- 261 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are preparing for a trip.
- AlejandroElena, ¿tienes la cámara en tu bolso?Elena, do you have the camera in your bag?
- ElenaNo, la cámara está sobre la mesa.No, the camera is on the table.
- AlejandroVoy a buscarla ahora mismo.I am going to look for it right now.
- ElenaPerfecto, no olvides las baterías.Perfect, don't forget the batteries.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “camera” translations and entries cámara, cámara fotográfica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cámara, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
