Spanish Conversation · Level 10
88 words
Spanish word
marcha
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈmaɾtʃa/
Meaning
- feminine nounrunning
Example
La máquina ya está en marcha.
The machine is already running.
More examples
Para comprobar el motor, pusieron la máquina en marcha durante diez minutos.
To check the engine, they put the machine into operation for ten minutes.
Core concept
Operational state of a device or process.
Common phrases
poner en marcha
put into operation
estar en marcha
be in operation
a toda marcha
at full speed
Similar words
funcionamiento: Equipment or system working properly in its intended operational state.
operación: Operation as the ongoing process or set of actions a machine performs.
Definition in Spanish
Estado operativo de un aparato, sistema o proceso que está funcionando y cumple su función en ese momento.
Word origin
Built from the verb marchar 'to march or move' via Old French marcher, marcha develops the technical sense of an apparatus or plan being in motion and therefore in operation.
Usage tips
- In automotive usage, marcha commonly refers to a gear (meter una marcha or cambiar de marchas), so context determines whether it means 'running' or a gear position.