ametralladora
/ametɾaʝaˈdoɾa/feminine
The English phrase 'machine gun' is translated into Spanish as ametralladora. If unsure, use ametralladora. Wiktionary also lists metralladora.
Meaning: type of firearm (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ametralladora | /ametɾaʝaˈdoɾa/ | feminine |
| metralladora | /metɾaʝadoɾa/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America, feminine |
What does it mean word for word?
The word ametralladora is derived from the verb ametrallar, which means to fire machine-gun fire or to strike with a machine gun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the word metralladora is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ametralladora is ametralladoras. Both ametralladora and metralladora are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ametɾaʝaˈdoɾa/
When do people say it?
The slang expression Cuerno de chivo is used to refer specifically to an AK-47.
Did you know?
- The nickname Cuerno de chivo for the AK-47 literally translates to 'goat's horn'. It refers to the distinctive curved shape of the rifle's magazine.
- The verb ametrallar is used figuratively in Spanish to describe a barrage of questions or insults, mirroring the rapid fire of a weapon.
- The root of ametralladora can be traced back through Old French and Old Dutch to a Proto-Germanic origin.
Examples in context
- Le disparó con una ametralladora.She shot him with a machine gun.This sentence shows how to describe shooting someone with an ametralladora.Tatoeba #1507428 by marcelostockle, translation #887382 by CK
- Estoy disparando con una ametralladora rusa.I am shooting with a Russian machine-gun.This sentence demonstrates shooting with a Russian ametralladora.Tatoeba #10245989 by Seael, translation #1688733 by Amastan
- Él mantuvo a los invasores a la raya con una ametralladora.He kept the invaders at bay with a machine gun.This sentence illustrates how an ametralladora can be used to keep invaders at bay.Tatoeba #1228241 by marcelostockle, translation #295081 by Dejo
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a movie scene.
- JavierEsa ametralladora hace mucho ruido.That machine gun makes a lot of noise.
- ElenaSí, parece muy potente.Yes, it seems very powerful.
- JavierEl soldado usa la ametralladora bien.The soldier uses the machine gun well.
- ElenaEs una escena muy intensa.It is a very intense scene.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “machine gun” translations and entries ametralladora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ametralladora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
