chisme
/ˈt͡ʃisme/masculine
The English word 'gizmo' can be translated into Spanish as chisme. Wiktionary also lists trasto and coso.
Meaning: thingy (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chisme | /ˈt͡ʃisme/ | masculine |
| trasto | /ˈtɾasto/ | masculine |
| coso | /ˈkoso/ | Argentina, masculine |
| aparato | /apaˈɾato/ | masculine |
| chunche | /ˈt͡ʃunt͡ʃe/ | Costa Rica, masculine |
Which one should you use?
While chisme and coso are more vague, use aparato when the 'gizmo' is an electronic or mechanical device. The word trasto is an informal translation for "gizmo" used for small objects or gadgets with no specific name.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term chisme is colloquial, while coso is informal. In Costa Rica, chunche is a common colloquial term, but it can also be used in a derogatory way.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, coso is a common informal way to refer to an object when you cannot remember its name. In Costa Rica, chunche is a common colloquial term for a gadget or object.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural, you can use chismes, trastos, cosos, aparatos or chunches.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃisme/
Did you know?
- While chisme means 'gizmo' in some contexts, its most common meaning across the Spanish-speaking world is 'gossip'.
- One theory suggests chisme evolved from the Latin word cīmicem, which refers to a bedbug.
- The word trasto can describe a useful 'gizmo' or a useless piece of junk that is taking up space in a room.
Examples in context
- Este dispositivo es muy útil para controlar la temperatura del hogar.This device is very useful for controlling the home's temperature.
- Mi tío inventó un dispositivo que facilita la limpieza de vidrios.My uncle invented a device that makes cleaning windows easier.
- ¡Miré en el cajón y encontré este trasto! No tengo idea de para qué sirve.I looked in the drawer and found this gizmo! I have no idea what it's for.
- No sé para qué sirve este chisme.I don't know what this thingy is for.
- Pásame ese chisme que está en la mesa.Pass me that thingy that is on the table.
- ¿Qué es ese chisme tan raro?What is that weird thingy?
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are looking at a broken kitchen tool.
- Lucía¿Qué es este chisme, Javier?What is this thingy, Javier?
- JavierEs un abridor de latas viejo.It is an old can opener.
- LucíaParece que no funciona.It looks like it doesn't work.
- JavierEs verdad, este chisme está roto.True, this thingy is broken.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gizmo” translations and entries chisme, trasto, coso, aparato, chunche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aparato, chisme, coso, trasto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
