machete
/maˈt͡ʃete/masculine
The English word machete is machete in Spanish.
A machete is a sword-like tool.
Meaning: a sword-like tool (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈtʃete/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking schools, if a student is caught using a machete, they are not carrying a weapon but a 'cheat sheet' for an exam.
- The suffix -ete in Spanish often creates a diminutive, suggesting the word's origins as a 'little sledgehammer'.
- While we use the word in English to describe the tool, in Spanish, the word can also refer to a specific type of percussion or rhythmic pattern in certain Afro-Caribbean music styles.
Examples in context
- Tom le cortó la pierna a Mary con un machete oxidado.Tom hacked Mary's leg off with a rusty machete.Tatoeba #1941552 by hayastan, translation #1028835 by CK
- El cortafuegos fue creado utilizando un machete de alta calidad.The firebreak was created using a high-quality machete.
- Los expertos en expediciones siempre llevan un machete de monte en sus aventuras.Expedition experts always carry a mountain machete on their adventures.
- Necesito un machete para limpiar la maleza.I need a machete to clear the brush.
- El campesino guarda su machete en la funda.The farmer keeps his machete in the sheath.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are working in a garden.
- LucíaMateo, ¿tienes un machete?Mateo, do you have a machete?
- MateoSí, lo tengo en el cobertizo.Yes, I have it in the shed.
- LucíaPerfecto, lo usaré para cortar las ramas.Perfect, I will use it to cut the branches.
- MateoTen cuidado con el machete, Lucía.Be careful with the machete, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “machete” translations and entries machete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries machete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
