instrumento
/instɾuˈmento/masculine
The English word instrument is translated into Spanish as instrumento.
instrumento is used to refer to a musical device. In specific contexts, other words may be more appropriate: use utensilio for a utensil or tool, such as a surgical instrument and use aparato for an apparatus or device, particularly in scientific or technical contexts.
Meaning: musical device (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of instrumento is instrumentos.
How do you pronounce it?
/instɾuˈmento/
Did you know?
- The word instrumento can be used in legal Spanish to describe a formal written document, such as a contract or a deed, which is called an instrumento público.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the phrase ser el instrumento de alguien means to be a pawn or a tool used by another person to achieve a goal, often implying a lack of agency.
- The Spanish word instrumento shares the same Latin root as the English word 'instruct', as both come from the idea of preparing or equipping a space or person.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué instrumento toca Tom?What instrument does Tom play?This sentence is useful for asking what musical instrument someone plays using instrumento.Tatoeba #2050772 by Alba, translation #2050609 by CK
- No toco ningún instrumento.I don't play any instrument.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not play any musical instrument using instrumento.Tatoeba #4810241 by hayastan, translation #5070039 by jhomel
- Es un instrumento multiusos.It's a multipurpose instrument.This sentence is useful for describing something as a multipurpose instrument using instrumento.Tatoeba #7464460 by arh, translation #8819592 by HeyItsMark
- Me gustaría aprender a tocar un instrumento musicalI would like to learn how to play a musical instrument.
- El médico esterilizó los utensilios quirúrgicos antes de la operaciónThe doctor sterilized the surgical instruments before the operation.
- El laboratorio está equipado con aparatos de alta gamaThe laboratory is equipped with high-end instruments.
- ¿Dónde dejaste ese instrumentillo de cocina que usas para pelar papas?Where did you leave that little kitchen utensil you use for peeling potatoes?
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a music store.
- AlejandroBusco un instrumento para mi hijo.I am looking for an instrument for my son.
- ElenaEste instrumento es ideal para principiantes.This instrument is ideal for beginners.
- Alejandro¿Es un instrumento de cuerdas?Is it a string instrument?
- ElenaSí, es un instrumento muy bonito.Yes, it is a very beautiful instrument.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “instrument” translations and entries instrumento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries instrumento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
