artilugio
/aɾtiˈluxjo/masculine
The English word "gadget" can be translated into Spanish as artilugio, aparato or artefacto.
Meaning: any device or machine (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| artilugio | /aɾtiˈluxjo/ | masculine |
| aparato | /apaˈɾato/ | masculine |
All these terms refer to a device or machine.
Which one should you use?
The word aparato is a neutral way to describe a device or a piece of equipment. In contrast, artilugio often carries a derogatory tone. If you need to describe a gadget in a formal context, use artefacto.
How does it change in a sentence?
To talk about more than one gadget, use the plural forms artilugios or aparatos.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾtiˈluxjo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, aparato is also a common way to refer to a person's physical body or a specific organ, such as the 'aparato digestivo'.
- In Spanish, aparato can refer to a political organization or the administrative machinery of a state, such as the aparato del Estado.
- The word artilugio can be used to describe a clever trick or a deceptive plot, moving beyond a physical device to mean a scheme.
Examples in context
- El último dispositivo tecnológico es realmente impresionante.The latest technological gadget is truly impressive.
- Este artefacto facilitará tu vida en la cocina.This gadget will make your life easier in the kitchen.
- ¿Dónde puedo encontrar buenos aparatos electrónicos?Where can I find good electronic gadgets?
- ¡Ese chisme es genial! ¿Dónde lo conseguiste?That gadget is awesome! Where did you get it?
- Ese aparato es muy útil.That gadget is very useful.
- No sé para qué sirve este artilugio.I don't know what this gadget is for.
- Tira ese artilugio a la basura.Throw that gadget in the trash.
- Compré un artilugio extraño en el mercado.I bought a strange gadget at the market.
Example conversation
Mateo is trying to fix a broken coffee machine in the kitchen.
- Elena¿Qué haces con ese artilugio?What are you doing with that gadget?
- MateoIntento arreglar la cafetera.I am trying to fix the coffee maker.
- ElenaParece un artilugio muy viejo.It looks like a very old gadget.
- MateoEs verdad, pero aún funciona.It's true, but it still works.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gadget” translations and entries artilugio, aparato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
