mecánico
/meˈkaniko/masculine
The Spanish word for mechanic is mecánico. Wiktionary also lists mecánica.
Meaning: skilled worker on machinery (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mecánico | /meˈkaniko/ | masculine |
| mecánica | /meˈkanika/ | feminine |
mecánico refers to a skilled worker who works on machinery. While this can describe any worker specialized in machinery, in everyday speech it is most commonly used to refer to an auto mechanic.
Which one should you use?
mecánico is the masculine form, while mecánica is the feminine form used specifically for a female mechanic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form mecánica is used when referring specifically to a female mechanic.
How do you pronounce it?
/meˈkaniko/
Did you know?
- When a car is broken down, a Spaniard might say the car is en el mecánico, which literally translates to 'in the mechanic'. This implies the car is physically at the workshop, even though the car is not inside the person.
- In many Latin American countries, a mechanic might be called a mecánico, but you might also hear the term maestros or maestros de taller to show respect for their years of expertise.
- While mecánica is the feminine form for a female mechanic, it is also the standard Spanish word for the field of 'mechanics' as a science or branch of engineering.
Examples in context
- Llévalo a un mecánico a arreglar.Take it to a mechanic, and get it fixed.This sentence shows how to use mecánico when discussing getting something fixed.Tatoeba #1192304 by marcelostockle, translation #266334 by CM
- Tom encontró un empleo como mecánico.Tom found a job as a mechanic.This sentence uses mecánico to describe someone's employment.Tatoeba #1307657 by marcelostockle, translation #1025725 by CK
- El mecánico abre su taller a las siete.The mechanic opens his workshop at seven.This sentence uses mecánico to describe a professional's working hours.Tatoeba #3425732 by Shishir, translation #7798600 by sharris123
- Mi padre es mecánico de automóviles.My father is a car mechanic.
- Juan estudia para ser mecánico automotriz.Juan is studying to become an automotive mechanic.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are talking in their living room about a car problem.
- Sofía¿Sabes de algún buen mecánico?Do you know a good mechanic?
- DanielSí, mi primo es un mecánico excelente.Yes, my cousin is an excellent mechanic.
- Sofía¡Qué bueno! ¿Puede revisar mi coche?That's great! Can he check my car?
- DanielClaro, le preguntaré hoy mismo.Sure, I will ask him today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mechanic” translations and entries mecánico, mecánica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
