motosierra
/motoˈsjera/feminine
The English word chainsaw is translated into Spanish as motosierra. Wiktionary also lists sierra eléctrica and sierra de cadena.
Meaning: saw with a power-driven chain (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| motosierra | /motoˈsjera/ | feminine |
| sierra eléctrica | /sjera eleɡtɾika/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| sierra de cadena | /sjera de kadena/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| motoserrucho | /motoserut͡ʃo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| tronzadora | /tɾonθadoɾa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /tɾonsadoɾa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
A chainsaw is a saw with a power-driven chain. The term motosierra is the standard way to refer to this tool in most Spanish-speaking countries.
What does it mean word for word?
The word motosierra is a compound of moto- (motor) and sierra (saw), literally meaning 'motor saw'.
Which one should you use?
While motosierra is the most common term for a chainsaw, tronzadora is a more technical term that typically refers to a stationary power saw used for cutting stone, metal or wood, such as a chop saw or cut-off saw. You may also encounter sierra eléctrica or sierra de cadena to describe the same tool.
How does it change in a sentence?
Motosierra is a feminine noun, which means it is used with feminine articles such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/motoˈsjera/
Did you know?
- The word sierra is used for both a tool and a mountain range, because the jagged peaks of a range look like the teeth of a saw.
- In some regions, you might hear the informal term motoserrucho, which combines 'motor' with 'serrucho', a word for a small hand saw.
- The word sierra shares the same Latin root as the English word 'saw', though they look quite different in their modern forms.
Examples in context
- Tom compró una motosierra eléctrica.Tom bought an electric chainsaw.This sentence shows the use of motosierra with an adjective.Tatoeba #10233410 by manufrutos, translation #6437975 by CK
- La sierra eléctrica que comprasteis no funciona.The chainsaw you bought doesn't work.This sentence demonstrates how to use sierra eléctrica in a sentence.Tatoeba #5434412 by Seael, translation #5434609 by mailohilohi
- Se me caló la motosierra y casi me corto la mano.I stalled the chainsaw and almost cut my hand.This sentence illustrates a sentence using motosierra in a context involving an accident.Tatoeba #10014966 by arh, translation #13602952 by sfgdh
Example conversation
Javier and María are working in their garden.
- JavierNecesito la motosierra para cortar esa rama.I need the chainsaw to cut that branch.
- MaríaLa motosierra está en el garaje.The chainsaw is in the garage.
- Javier¿Puedes traerla tú, María?Can you bring it, María?
- MaríaSí, ahora mismo la traigo.Yes, I will bring it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chainsaw” translations and entries motosierra, sierra eléctrica, motoserrucho, 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 cadena, de, sierra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
