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botones

boh-TOH-nesboˈto.nes

“botones” means “buttons” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

buttons

Also: keys, knobs
NounmA1
A collection of colorful, round sewing buttons of various sizes lying on a flat surface.

📝 In Action

Necesito coser dos botones nuevos a mi chaqueta.

A1

I need to sew two new buttons onto my jacket.

Hay que presionar los botones grandes para iniciar la lavadora.

A2

You have to press the large buttons to start the washing machine.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pulsadores (push buttons)

Common Collocations

  • abrochar botones – to button up
  • botones de pánico – panic buttons

bellhops

Also: pageboys
NounmB1
Mexico
A smiling person wearing a uniform carrying a stack of suitcases next to a luggage cart.

📝 In Action

Los botones nos ayudaron a subir las maletas al quinto piso.

B1

The bellhops helped us take the suitcases up to the fifth floor.

El botones del hotel es muy amable y siempre sonríe.

B2

The hotel bellhop is very kind and always smiles.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • maleteros (porters)
  • pajes (pages)

Common Collocations

  • el uniforme de botones – the bellhop uniform

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "botones" in Spanish:

bellhops→buttons→keys→knobs→pageboys→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: botones

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'botones' in the context of a job?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
botón(button (singular)) — Noun
botonera(set of buttons/keypad) — Noun
abotonar(to button up) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
rinconesaviones
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the older Spanish word 'botón,' which itself traces back to Old French *boton*, meaning 'a bud' or 'a knob/stud,' related to the idea of something pushing out or protruding.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (as 'botón')

Cognates (Related words)

French: boutonItalian: bottone

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'botones' only used for hotel workers?

While the hotel context is the most common, 'botones' can also refer to a 'pageboy' or 'office boy'—a young person employed to run errands or attend to guests in a formal setting.

How do I know if 'botones' means 'buttons' or 'bellhops'?

Context is key! If you are talking about clothing, electronics, or small round fasteners, it means 'buttons'. If you are talking about a person carrying luggage or wearing a uniform, it means 'bellhops'.