mazo
/ˈmaθo/masculine
The Spanish word for mallet is mazo.
The term mazo refers to a small maul or mallet. In some regions, a 'mallet' can be referred to as a 'mazo', often describing a wooden hammer used in woodworking or music.
Meaning: small maul (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmaθo/
Did you know?
- In modern Spanish slang from Spain, mazo is used as an adverb meaning 'very' or 'a lot'. For example, someone might say estoy mazo cansado to mean they are 'extremely tired'.
- While mazo is a small mallet, its root word maza refers to a heavy, lethal weapon used by medieval knights. This linguistic connection links a humble woodworking tool to the formidable mace of a warrior.
- In Spain, if someone says they have 'un mazo' of something, they do not mean a mallet, but rather a large amount or a 'ton' of it.
Examples in context
- Pasa el martillo, por favorPass me the mallet, please
- Necesito un mazo para trabajar en este proyectoI need a mallet to work on this project
- Necesito un mazo para esta tarea.I need a mallet for this task.
- El mazo es de madera.The mallet is made of wood.
- Usa el mazo con cuidado.Use the mallet carefully.
Example conversation
Alejandro is working in his workshop and Sofía enters.
- Sofía¿Qué estás haciendo, Alejandro?What are you doing, Alejandro?
- AlejandroEstoy golpeando este clavo con un mazo.I am hitting this nail with a mallet.
- SofíaTen cuidado de no romper la madera.Be careful not to break the wood.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, lo haré con cuidado.Don't worry, I will do it carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mallet” translations and entries mazo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mazo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
