cajero automático
/kaˌxeɾo autoˈmatiko/
The Spanish phrase for 'cash machine' is cajero automático.
cajero automático is used to refer to a machine that allows people to withdraw money from a bank account.
What does it mean word for word?
The term literally translates to 'automatic teller', where cajero means teller or cashier and automático means automatic.
Which one should you use?
While cajero automático refers specifically to the machine, the word cajero on its own refers to a human bank teller or cashier.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun cajero is masculine, so it must be preceded by the masculine articles el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˌxeɾo autoˈmatiko/
Did you know?
- The term automático shares a root with the Greek word autómatos, which originally described things that move by their own will, like the mythical bronze giant Talos.
- The suffix -ero in cajero is a productive ending in Spanish used to denote a profession or a person who handles a specific object, similar to how 'bottle-carrier' would be formed.
- While cajero automático is the standard term, you may hear people in Spain simply say el cajero when they are looking for an ATM, omitting the word 'automatic' entirely.
Examples in context
- ¿Es eso un cajero automático?Is that a cash machine?This sentence is useful for asking if a specific object is a cajero automático.Tatoeba #13477892 by Seael, translation #10999924 by sundown
- Saqué algo de dinero de un cajero automático.I got some money from a cash machine.This sentence is useful for describing the action of withdrawing money from a cajero automático.Tatoeba #2331078 by marcelostockle, translation #2329627 by CK
- ¿Hay un cajero automático por aquí?Is there a cash machine near here?This sentence is useful for asking about the proximity of a cajero automático.Tatoeba #456052 by lukaszpp, translation #456051 by lukaszpp
- Disculpe, ¿dónde se encuentra el cajero automático más cercano?Excuse me, where can I find the nearest cash machine?
- Oye, ¿sabes si hay un cajero cerca?Hey, do you know if there's an ATM nearby?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are walking in the city center.
- JavierElena, ¿sabes dónde hay un cajero automático?Elena, do you know where there is a cash machine?
- ElenaCreo que hay uno en la esquina.I think there is one on the corner.
- JavierPerfecto, necesito sacar algo de efectivo.Perfect, I need to withdraw some cash.
- ElenaVamos, yo te acompaño.Let's go, I'll go with you.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
