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.

reloj

reh-LOHKH

nounmA1

clock?Time-telling device, typically on a wall or desk,watch?Small, portable time-telling device worn on the wrist

Also:timepiece?General term for a device that measures time

📝 In Action

¿Qué hora marca tu reloj?

What time does your watch show?

Necesitamos un reloj de pared para la sala.

We need a wall clock for the living room.

El reloj del ayuntamiento suena cada hora.

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

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun

Even though many Spanish words ending in 'j' might be confusing, 'reloj' is always a masculine noun, meaning you must use 'el' (el reloj) with it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Watch/Clock

Mistake: "Using 'vigilar' or 'guardar' to mean 'watch' (the device)."

Correction: 'Reloj' is the device. If you mean the verb 'to watch' (look at), use 'mirar' or 'ver'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

In Spanish, the same word 'reloj' is used for both a wrist watch and a larger wall clock. The context usually makes it clear, but if not, use 'reloj de pared' (wall clock) or 'reloj de pulsera' (wrist watch).

✏️ 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

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?).