Inklingo
← Dictionary

anillo

/ah-NEE-yoh/

ring

A close-up illustration of a hand wearing a simple gold wedding band on the ring finger.

When referring to jewelry worn on the finger, anillo translates to "ring."

anillo(noun)

mA1

ring

?

jewelry worn on the finger

Also:

band

?

as in wedding band

📝 In Action

Ella perdió su anillo de compromiso en la playa.

A1

She lost her engagement ring on the beach.

Quiero comprar un anillo de plata para mi madre.

A2

I want to buy a silver ring for my mother.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sortija (ring (less common, often refers to finer jewelry))

Common Collocations

  • anillo de boda / matrimonio – wedding ring / wedding band
  • anillo de compromiso – engagement ring

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'anillo' is always a masculine word, so it uses 'el' or 'un'. (e.g., 'El anillo es caro').

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

If you are talking about jewelry, 'anillo' is the standard word. If you specify the purpose (like a wedding band), you can add 'de boda'.

A perfect, large smoke ring floating against a blue background, illustrating a circular shape.

Anillo can also describe a circular shape or structure, like a smoke "ring."

anillo(noun)

mB1

ring

?

circular shape; structure; orbit

Also:

traffic circle

?

regional (Mexico, Central America)

,

bale

?

of smoke

📝 In Action

Los anillos de Saturno son visibles con un buen telescopio.

B1

Saturn's rings are visible with a good telescope.

El fumador lanzó un anillo de humo perfecto.

B2

The smoker blew a perfect smoke ring.

Debes tomar el segundo anillo de la glorieta para ir al centro.

B1

You must take the second exit of the traffic circle to go downtown.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • círculo (circle)
  • aro (hoop, large ring)

Common Collocations

  • anillos de crecimiento – growth rings (of a tree)

❌ Common Pitfalls

Aro vs. Anillo

Mistake: "Using 'anillo' for a large hoop or ear piercing."

Correction: Use 'aro' for larger objects like hoops, especially earrings. 'Anillo' is best for jewelry on the finger or smaller, scientific structures.

A group of three shadowy figures standing close together in a circle in a dark setting, suggesting a secretive criminal organization.

In a figurative sense, anillo means a criminal "ring" or syndicate.

anillo(noun)

mC1

ring

?

syndicate; criminal organization

Also:

gang

?

criminal group

📝 In Action

La policía desmanteló un anillo de contrabando de arte antiguo.

C1

The police dismantled a ring for smuggling ancient art.

El anillo operaba desde un almacén abandonado en las afueras.

C2

The syndicate operated from an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • red (network)
  • mafia (mafia)

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Context

This meaning is almost always used in news reports, police reports, or formal discussions of organized crime, not in casual conversation.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: anillo

Question 1 of 2

Which English word best translates 'anillo' in the sentence: 'El anillo de Saturno es impresionante'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

anillar(to ring, to band (e.g., a bird)) - verb
anillado(ring-bound (as in a notebook)) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'anillo' different from 'aro'?

'Anillo' usually refers to a smaller, solid ring, typically jewelry worn on the finger. 'Aro' refers to a larger hoop or ring, like a basketball hoop, an earring (if it's a hoop), or a large metal circle.

Does 'anillo' have a feminine form?

No. 'Anillo' is a fixed masculine noun (it's always 'el anillo') regardless of who owns or wears the ring.