Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
ATM in Spanish: Cajero automático
Cajero automático · noun · kah-HEH-roh ow-toh-MAH-tee-koh
An ATM is called 'cajero automático' in Spanish, which literally translates to 'automatic cashier.' In casual conversation, it is often shortened to simply 'cajero.' This term is used consistently across Spain and Latin America, making it easy for travelers to ask for directions to the nearest cash machine.
kah-HEH-roh ow-toh-MAH-tee-koh
Necesito encontrar un cajero automático para sacar dinero antes de ir al mercado.
I need to find an ATM to withdraw money before going to the market.
ATM in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for atm, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| cajero automático | atm | kah-HEH-roh ow-toh-MAH-tee-koh | Default, widely understood |
| cajero | atm | shortened informal form |
How Native Speakers Use Cajero automático
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Traveling
¿Hay un cajero automático cerca de aquí? Necesito cambiar dólares a pesos.
Is there an ATM near here? I need to exchange dollars for pesos.
This is one of the most useful travel phrases in Spanish.
Banking
El cajero automático del banco no aceptó mi tarjeta porque estaba vencida.
The bank's ATM didn't accept my card because it was expired.
Tarjeta vencida means expired card; a common ATM issue.
Directions
El cajero más cercano está al doblar la esquina, junto a la farmacia grande.
The nearest ATM is around the corner, next to the large pharmacy.
Cajero alone is perfectly understood as a short form of cajero automático.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Cajero automático
Using English acronym
Incorrect: ¿Dónde hay un ATM por aquí?
Correct: ¿Dónde hay un cajero automático por aquí?
The acronym ATM is not widely recognized in Spanish-speaking countries; using cajero automático ensures you will be understood.
Gender confusion
Incorrect: La cajera automática está fuera de servicio.
Correct: El cajero automático está fuera de servicio.
Cajero automático is always masculine regardless of context; cajera refers to a female cashier (a person), not a machine.
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See Cajero automático used by native speakers
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Common Questions About ATM in Spanish
- Do Spanish speakers ever say ATM?
- In most Spanish-speaking countries, the acronym ATM is not commonly used or recognized in everyday speech. Cajero automático (or simply cajero) is the standard term, and using it will ensure clear communication with locals anywhere in the Hispanic world.
- How do you say 'withdraw money' in Spanish?
- The standard phrase is 'sacar dinero' or 'retirar dinero,' both meaning to take out or withdraw money. When at an ATM, you might also hear 'hacer un retiro' (to make a withdrawal), which is slightly more formal banking terminology.
- What is the difference between cajero and cajero automático?
- Cajero by itself can mean either an ATM machine or a human cashier at a bank or store. Adding 'automático' removes any ambiguity by specifying the machine, though in practice, context usually makes the intended meaning clear without the full phrase.