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anillo

ah-NEE-yoh/aˈniʎo/

ring

Also: band
NounmA1
A close-up illustration of a hand wearing a simple gold wedding band on the ring finger.

📝 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

ring

Also: traffic circle, bale
NounmB1
Mexico / Central America
A perfect, large smoke ring floating against a blue background, illustrating a circular shape.

📝 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)

ring

Also: gang
NounmC1formal
A group of three shadowy figures standing close together in a circle in a dark setting, suggesting a secretive criminal organization.

📝 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

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "anillo" in Spanish:

bale→band→gang→ring→traffic circle→

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word *anellus*, which is the diminutive (small version) of *anus* meaning 'ring'. It has maintained its core meaning of a small circular object since it entered Spanish.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: anelFrench: anneau

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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.