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reloj

reh-LOHKH/reˈlox/

“reloj” means “clock” in Spanish (Time-telling device, typically on a wall or desk).

clock, watch

Also: timepiece
NounmA1
General (but declining)
A highly simplified, round white object resembling a clock casing hangs centrally on a solid light blue wall. The object is plain and lacks any hands or numbers.

📝 In Action

¿Qué hora marca tu reloj?

A1

What time does your watch show?

Necesitamos un reloj de pared para la sala.

A2

We need a wall clock for the living room.

El reloj del ayuntamiento suena cada hora.

B1

The town hall clock chimes every hour.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • reloj de pulsera – wrist watch
  • reloj despertador – alarm clock
  • dar cuerda al reloj – to wind the clock (older clocks)

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser como un reloj – to be very punctual or run perfectly

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "reloj" in Spanish:

clock→timepiece→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: reloj

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the word 'reloj'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
hora(hour/time) — Noun
minuto(minute) — Noun
cronómetro(stopwatch/chronometer) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
bojcarcaj
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Medieval Latin term *horologium*, which meant 'instrument for telling time.' This term itself was built from Greek words: *hōra* (meaning 'hour' or 'time') and *logos* (meaning 'telling' or 'speaking'). Over centuries, the word simplified into the more common modern form.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: horlogeItalian: orologio

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'reloj' have a feminine form?

No. 'Reloj' is always masculine (el reloj), regardless of the type of clock or watch it is.

How do I ask someone for the time using 'reloj'?

While you can say '¿Qué hora tiene tu reloj?' (What time does your watch have?), the most common way to ask the time is simply '¿Qué hora es?' (What time is it?).