pitido
“pitido” means “beep” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
beep, whistle
Also: chirp, hoot
📝 In Action
El microondas hizo un pitido cuando la comida estuvo lista.
A1The microwave made a beep when the food was ready.
El árbitro dio el pitido final y el partido terminó.
A2The referee blew the final whistle and the game ended.
Escuché un pitido agudo viniendo de mi ordenador.
B1I heard a high-pitched beep coming from my computer.
ringing
Also: buzzing
📝 In Action
Tengo un pitido constante en el oído derecho.
B1I have a constant ringing in my right ear.
Después del concierto, me quedaron pitidos en los oídos.
B2After the concert, I was left with ringing in my ears.
El médico me examinó por ese pitido molesto.
B2The doctor examined me for that annoying ringing.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: pitido
Question 1 of 3
Which word would you use if your phone receives a text message?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the verb 'pitar', which is an onomatopoeia (a word that sounds like what it describes) representing the sharp sound of a bird or a small pipe.
First recorded: 17th Century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pitido' the same as 'silbido'?
Not exactly. 'Silbido' is usually a whistle made by a human mouth, while 'pitido' is usually a mechanical, electronic, or very short and sharp sound.
Can 'pitido' refer to a car horn?
Yes, a short tap on a car horn is often called a 'pitido', though the horn itself is the 'claxon'.
Does it have a feminine form?
No, 'pitido' is always masculine ('el pitido'), even if it's a very soft or quiet sound.