destornillador
/destoɾniʝaˈdoɾ/masculine
The English phrase 'screwdriver' is translated into Spanish as destornillador. Wiktionary also lists desarmador and atornillador.
Meaning: tool (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| destornillador | /destoɾniʝaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| desarmador | /desaɾmaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| atornillador | /atoɾniʝadoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| desatornillador | /desatoɾniʝadoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| entornillador | /entoɾniʝadoɾ/ (from spelling rules) | Peru, masculine |
What does it mean word for word?
The word destornillador is composed of the verb destornillar (to unscrew) and the suffix -dor (one who does), literally meaning 'one who unscrews'.
Which one should you use?
While destornillador is the most common term, desarmador is frequently used in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. Other variations include atornillador, desatornillador and entornillador.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, desarmador is the standard term. In Peru, the term entornillador is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of destornillador is destornilladores.
How do you pronounce it?
/destoɾniʝaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- The root of destornillador traces back to the Ancient Greek word τόρνος, which referred to a lathe.
- The word desarmador comes from desarmar, which means 'to disassemble' or 'to disarm'. In Mexico, this suggests the tool is used to take things apart rather than just to remove a screw.
- While destornillador is understood globally, using desarmador in Spain might confuse a local who associates that word specifically with dismantling machinery or taking weapons apart.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedo coger un destornillador?Could I have a screwdriver?This sentence shows how to ask to borrow a destornillador.Tatoeba #1586625 by teskmon, translation #52106 by CK
- ¿Para qué sirve un destornillador?What's a screwdriver for?This sentence asks about the purpose of a destornillador.Tatoeba #7420242 by arh, translation #9706234 by DJ_Saidez
- Siempre tengo un destornillador a mano.I always keep a screwdriver handy.This sentence describes keeping a destornillador nearby.Tatoeba #10570501 by Seael, translation #10570495 by felidad
- ¿Podrías pasarme un destornillador, por favor?Could you pass me a screwdriver, please?
- Necesito apretar estos tornillos. ¿Tienes un destornillador?I need to tighten these screws. Do you have a screwdriver?
- ¿Puedes traerme el destornillador de la caja de herramientas?Can you bring me the screwdriver from the toolbox?
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are working on a small furniture repair in the living room.
- Mateo¿Dónde dejaste el destornillador?Where did you leave the screwdriver?
- SofíaEstá sobre la mesa, Mateo.It is on the table, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, lo necesito para este tornillo.Thanks, I need it for this screw.
- SofíaTen cuidado con ese destornillador.Be careful with that screwdriver.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “screwdriver” translations and entries destornillador, desarmador, atornillador, 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 atornillador, desarmador, destornillador, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
