máquinas
1. Devices or equipment designed to perform a specific task or function, typically powered mechanically or electronically
The factory uses modern machines to manufacture products.
A fábrica usa máquinas modernas para fabricar produtos.
2. A mechanical device consisting of fixed and moving parts that work together to perform work
The washing machine cleans clothes efficiently.
A máquina de lavar limpa roupas com eficiência.
3. A system or organization regarded as operating in a mechanical fashion
The political machine controlled the election.
A máquina política controlou a eleição.
4. A person who acts or performs mechanically without emotion
He worked like a machine, completing tasks without pause.
Ele trabalhou como uma máquina, completando tarefas sem pausa.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'máquinas' is used extensively in industrial, technical, and everyday contexts. The term reflects Brazil's significant manufacturing sector. In American English, 'machines' often carries metaphorical weight in political discourse ('the political machine'), which also translates naturally to Portuguese contexts. In both cultures, the word can be used ironically to describe people who work excessively without emotion.
Related Idioms & Phrases
like a well-oiled machine (como uma máquina bem oleada)
the machine of government (a máquina governamental)
grinding the machine (colocar a máquina para funcionar)
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