motor
/moˈtoɾ/masculine
The Spanish word for engine is motor.
Motor refers to a mechanical device. You can use el motor de combustión to specifically refer to a combustion engine, while a steam engine is called máquina de vapor. Note that propulsor means propeller and should not be used to mean engine.
Meaning: mechanical device (noun)
Which one should you use?
Motor is the most common term for a mechanical engine. However, máquina is sometimes used in a more general sense to refer to a machine or an engine.
How does it change in a sentence?
Motor is a masculine noun. When referring to a specific engine, use the masculine definite article el to say el motor.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈtoɾ/
Did you know?
- While motor is the standard term, Spanish speakers often use máquina as a colloquial compliment to describe a person who is exceptionally skilled or productive at a task.
- In some Latin American regions, the phrase está motorizado does not just mean a vehicle has an engine, but can specifically refer to a police or military unit equipped with motorcycles.
- In Spanish, the word motor is used metaphorically to describe the driving force behind a project or social movement, such as calling a specific industry the motor económico of a city.
Examples in context
- El motor no parte.The engine wouldn't start.This sentence shows how to use motor regarding an engine starting.Tatoeba #1170633 by leoruilova, translation #65225 by CK
- El motor se detuvo.The engine died.This sentence shows how to use motor regarding an engine stopping.Tatoeba #1284275 by marcelostockle, translation #65220 by CK
- Tom averió el motor.Tom damaged the engine.This sentence shows how to use motor regarding an engine being damaged.Tatoeba #5733351 by ManuelML, translation #11047284 by DJ_Saidez
- El motor del automóvil funciona con gasolina.The car's engine runs on gasoline.
- Las máquinas de vapor impulsaron la revolución industrial.Steam engines propelled the industrial revolution.
- El motorcito de esa moto es muy potente.The engine of that motorcycle is very powerful.
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are looking at a car in a garage.
- JavierEscucha, el motor suena mal.Listen, the engine sounds bad.
- LucíaTienes razón, Javier.You are right, Javier.
- Javier¿Es un problema del motor?Is it an engine problem?
- LucíaParece que sí.It seems so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “engine” translations and entries motor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
