detector de metal
/deteɡˌtoɾ de meˈtal/masculine
The English phrase "metal detector" can be translated into Spanish as detector de metal. If unsure, use detector de metal. Wiktionary also lists detector metálico de mano and detector de metales de brazo.
Meaning: a hand-held device (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| detector de metal | /deteɡˌtoɾ de meˈtal/ | masculine |
| detector metálico de mano | /deteɡtoɾ metaliko de mano/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| detector de metales de brazo | /deteɡtoɾ de metales de bɾaθo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /deteɡtoɾ de metales de bɾaso/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
A metal detector is a hand-held device (noun).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase detector de metal is a literal translation of "metal detector", following the Spanish structure of "noun + de + noun".
Which one should you use?
Use detector de metales de mano specifically when you want to emphasize that the device is a small, hand-held unit rather than a large stationary machine or a walk-through gate.
How does it change in a sentence?
While detector de metal is used, it is very common to use the plural metales (metals) to refer to the device's ability to detect various types of metal.
How do you pronounce it?
/deteɡˌtoɾ de meˈtal/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word metal traces its roots back to the Ancient Greek word métallon, which originally meant a 'mine' or 'quarry' rather than just the material itself.
- In Spanish, the word mano can be used in various idioms to mean 'help' or 'assistance', though in detector de mano it remains literal.
- The word detector is derived from the Latin detectus, meaning 'uncovered' or 'revealed'.
Examples in context
- El único metal que puede detectar un detector de metales es el metal de otro detector de metales. Ese hecho fue de gran importancia cuando mis padres se conocieron.The only metal that a metal detector can detect is the metal in another metal detector. That fact was instrumental in my parents' meeting.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use detector de metal.Tatoeba #1391693 by Shishir, translation #697685 by papabear
- Los arqueólogos utilizaron detectores de metales para buscar reliquias en el antiguo sitio.The archaeologists used metal detectors to search for relics at the ancient site.
- Si piensas buscar tesoros en la playa, asegúrate de llevar tu detector de metales contigo. ¡Quizás encuentres algo genial!If you plan on searching for treasure at the beach, make sure to bring your metal detector with you. You might find something awesome!
- Necesito un detector de metal para la seguridad.I need a metal detector for security.
- El guardia usa un detector de metal.The guard uses a metal detector.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are searching for coins on a beach.
- MateoMira, mi detector de metal encontró algo.Look, my metal detector found something.
- Elena¡Qué bien! ¿Es una moneda antigua?That's great! Is it an old coin?
- MateoNo, es solo un trozo de hierro.No, it is just a piece of iron.
- ElenaSigue buscando con el detector de metal.Keep searching with the metal detector.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “metal detector” translations and entries detector de metal, 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 brazo, de, detector de metal, mano, metal, metálico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
