máquina de gancho
/makina de ɡant͡ʃo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'claw machine' is translated into Spanish as máquina de gancho.
A claw machine is an arcade game where a mechanical arm is used to grab and win prizes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase máquina de gancho literally translates to 'machine of hook'.
Which one should you use?
While máquina de gancho is the default form, máquina de garra is a common alternative used to describe the same game.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term máquina de garra is used to refer to a claw machine.
Did you know?
- The word máquina is a distant relative of the English word 'machine', as both descend from the Greek word for a 'stratagem' or 'trick'.
- In Spanish, the word gancho can also be used as a slang term to describe a 'lure' or a 'bait' person used to attract others into a scheme.
- The term garra is often used in Spanish to describe someone with a 'strong grip' or a 'tenacious personality', much like the claw of the machine.
Examples in context
- ¿Viste esa máquina de peluches en la feria?Did you see that claw machine at the fair?
- Ganamos un peluche en la máquina de gancho.We won a stuffed animal in the claw machine.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are at an arcade.
- JavierMira esa máquina de gancho, Lucía.Look at that claw machine, Lucía.
- Lucía¡Qué bonita! ¿Tiene peluches?How pretty! Does it have stuffed animals?
- JavierSí, intenta ganar uno.Yes, try to win one.
- LucíaVale, voy a probar suerte.Okay, I am going to try my luck.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, gancho, máquina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
