motor
/moˈtoɾ/masculine
The English word motor translates to Spanish as motor.
The noun motor refers to a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy. In a biological context, the related word motor can also be used as an adjective meaning relating to the ability to move.
Meaning: machine that converts other energy forms into mechanical energy (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the engine and the vehicle: motor refers specifically to the engine itself, whereas motocicleta is the word used for the vehicle known as a motorcycle.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of motor is motores.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈtoɾ/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses motor for both electric motors and internal combustion engines. English often distinguishes between a 'motor' and an 'engine', but Spanish uses motor for both categories.
- While motor refers to the engine, Spanish speakers often use the clipped word moto as a shorthand for motocicleta. This means that in a casual setting, la moto refers to the whole bike, not the motor itself.
- The word motor shares a root with the Spanish word motivo, which means 'reason' or 'motive'. Both stem from the idea of something that moves or pushes a person to act.
Examples in context
- Tom apagó el motor.Tom switched off the motor.This sentence is useful for showing how to say a motor was switched off.Tatoeba #4371677 by pchamorro, translation #2958265 by CK
- El motor no funciona bien.The motor does not function properly.This sentence is useful for describing a motor that is not functioning properly.Tatoeba #1512714 by Shishir, translation #31134 by CK
- No podía poner en marcha el motor.He couldn't start the motor.This sentence is useful for expressing the inability to start a motor.Tatoeba #2266136 by cueyayotl, translation #2266135 by _undertoad
- El motor del automóvil se averió durante el viaje.The car's motor broke down during the trip.
- ¿Puedes arrancar el motorcito de la moto?Can you start the little motor of the motorcycle?
- El motor del barco garantiza un viaje seguro.The motor of the boat ensures a safe trip.
- ¡Mira cómo ruge ese motorcito de la moto!Look at how that little motor of the motorcycle roars!
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are looking at a car in the garage.
- ElenaJavier, ¿escuchas el ruido del motor?Javier, do you hear the noise of the motor?
- JavierSí, creo que el motor necesita aceite.Yes, I think the motor needs oil.
- ElenaPodemos llevarlo al mecánico mañana.We can take it to the mechanic tomorrow.
- JavierEs lo mejor para cuidar el motor.It is the best way to take care of the motor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “motor” translations and entries motor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
