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machín means hard — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 18, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

machín

adverb • /[ma-CHEEN]/

hard

Example:

Estudia machín para el examen.

Study hard for the exam.

🧠 What does machín mean?

Machín is a Mexican slang adverb that primarily means 'hard' or 'intensively.' It is used to emphasize the degree or manner in which an action is performed, often implying difficulty, great effort, or a high level of intensity. It can also be used to describe something as very effective or powerful. This term is distinctly Mexican and not commonly understood in other Spanish-speaking regions.

📚 Extra examples

  • Estudié machín para el examen y me fue muy bien.
    I studied hard for the exam and did very well.
  • El nuevo sistema funciona machín.
    The new system works really well/effectively.
  • Tuvimos que trabajar machín para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.
    We had to work intensely to finish the project on time.
  • Ella corre machín, es una atleta muy competitiva.
    She runs hard, she's a very competitive athlete.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'machín' in Mexican slang is derived from the French word 'machine,' emphasizing the idea of working or performing with the power and relentless efficiency of a machine.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "machín"

Synonyms: arduamente, intensamente, mucho, fuertemente, con ganas
Opposites: poco, suavemente, débilmente, a medias

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'hard' in Spanish?
In standard Spanish, 'hard' can be translated as 'duro' (adjective) or 'arduamente' (adverb). However, in Mexican slang, 'machín' is used as an adverb meaning 'hard' or 'intensively'.
How do you pronounce 'machín' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is: mah-CHEEN. The 'ch' sound is like in the English word 'chair,' and the 'í' has an accent, indicating emphasis on that syllable.
How do you use 'machín' in a sentence?
'Machín' is used as an adverb, typically placed after the verb it modifies to indicate intensity or a high degree of effort. For example: 'Aprendí machín' (I learned hard).
What is the English translation of 'machín'?
The most common English translations for 'machín' in its adverbial sense are 'hard,' 'intensively,' or 'very effectively.'
Does 'machín' change for gender or number?
As an adverb, 'machín' does not change for gender or number. Its form remains constant regardless of the noun or pronoun it relates to.
Is 'machín' common in everyday Spanish?
'Machín' is very common in everyday spoken Spanish within Mexico. However, it is considered slang and is not typically used in formal writing or in most other Spanish-speaking countries.
Does 'machín' have slang or double meanings?
While its primary meaning is 'hard' or 'intensively,' 'machín' can sometimes imply being very good, tough, or impressive due to the intensity of the action or quality described. It doesn't typically have negative or vulgar double meanings.
Is 'machín' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Machín' is almost exclusively a Mexicanism. It is not commonly used or understood in Spain or in most other Latin American countries, where different slang terms or standard adverbs would be employed.

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