How to Say "Magnet" in Spanish

imán

/iˈman/masculine

The Spanish word for magnet is imán.

imán is a masculine noun used to refer to a piece of material that attracts some metals by magnetism.

Meaning: piece of material that attracts some metals by magnetism (noun)

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Mexico, the phrase calcomanía magnética is used to refer to a magnetic sticker or magnetic decal.

The plural form of imán is imanes. Because imán is a masculine noun, you use the masculine article 'un' instead of 'una'.

/iˈman/

The word imán has two completely different origins depending on the context. In one sense, it is a linguistic relative of the English word 'diamond', while in another, it refers to a 'leader' or 'imam' in Arabic.
When used as a metaphor for a person, calling someone an imán describes their irresistible charisma or ability to attract people and opportunities.
The Spanish language uses the word imán to describe both a modern permanent magnet and the ancient 'lodestone' known in Old Spanish as aymante.

Soy como un imán.
I'm like a magnet.
This sentence shows how to use imán in a simile describing oneself.
Tatoeba #6830850 by arh, translation #10287873 by LimeGreenTeknii
Tú eres como un imán.
You're like a magnet.
This sentence shows how to use imán in a simile describing another person.
Tatoeba #6830851 by arh, translation #9725450 by DJ_Saidez
Un imán atrae a los metales.
A magnet attracts metal.
This sentence demonstrates the verb used with imán to describe the physical property of attracting metals.
Tatoeba #6830844 by arh, translation #10287877 by LimeGreenTeknii
Mi presentación se centrará en cómo funcionan los imanes en la industria moderna.
My presentation will focus on how magnets work in the modern industry.
El laboratorio adquirió un nuevo electroimán para realizar experimentos avanzados.
The laboratory acquired a new electromagnet to conduct advanced experiments.
El acero inoxidable no es magnético.
Stainless steel is not magnetic.
Los imanes atraen objetos metálicos.
Magnets attract metallic objects.
Me encantaría tener una calcomanía magnética para poner en mi automóvil.
I would love to have a magnetic sticker to put on my car.
13 more sentences on Tatoeba

Elena and Mateo are looking for a tool in their workshop.

Elena

¿Tienes el imán para recoger los clavos?
Do you have the magnet to pick up the nails?
Mateo

Sí, lo tengo aquí en mi mano.
Yes, I have it here in my hand.
Elena

Perfecto, ayúdame a limpiar el suelo.
Perfect, help me clean the floor.
Mateo

Claro, lo haré ahora mismo.
Of course, I will do it right now.

Sources

Wiktionary, “magnet” translations and entries imán, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries imán, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.

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