máquina
/ˈmakina/feminine
The Spanish word for machine is máquina.
A máquina is a mechanical or electrical device. In a casual context, the word can also be used to describe something as awesome, cool or impressive. If you are referring to a set of machines or machinery as a collective noun, use maquinaria.
Meaning: mechanical or electrical device (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of máquina is las máquinas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmakina/
Did you know?
- The Latin root of máquina also meant a 'stratagem' or a 'trick', which is why the word can sometimes imply a clever ruse rather than just a physical device.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you call a person una máquina, you are giving them a high compliment for being incredibly efficient or skilled at a task.
- The term máquina is used in the slang of some regions to refer to a high-end car or a powerful vehicle.
Examples in context
- Hice andar la máquina.I got the machine running.This sentence is useful for describing how to get a máquina running.Tatoeba #2082344 by marcelostockle, translation #20476 by CK
- La máquina ya ha parado.The machine has stopped.This sentence is useful for stating that a máquina has stopped.Tatoeba #8612590 by arh, translation #12995844 by rul
- Hay que armar esta máquina.The machine has to be assembled.This sentence is useful for saying a máquina has to be assembled.Tatoeba #2259344 by cueyayotl, translation #2259343 by _undertoad
- La empresa compró una máquina nueva para aumentar la producción.The company bought a new machine to increase production.
- El hospital adquirió nuevos aparatos de diagnóstico.The hospital acquired new diagnostic machines.
- ¡Ese coche es una máquina!That car is awesome/cool!
- No puedo hacer funcionar este nuevo trasto.I can't make this new gadget work.
- 111 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are in a workshop looking at a broken piece of equipment.
- LucíaEsta máquina no funciona.This machine does not work.
- MateoEs una máquina muy vieja.It is a very old machine.
- Lucía¿Puedes arreglar la máquina, Mateo?Can you fix the machine, Mateo?
- MateoVoy a revisar la máquina ahora.I am going to check the machine now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “machine” translations and entries máquina, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries máquina, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
