Inklingo

teléfonos

teh-LEH-foh-nohs/teˈlefonos/

teléfonos means phones in Spanish (plural of the device).

phones, telephones

Also: cell phones, mobile phones
NounmA1
SpainMexico & Central America
Three colorful, modern mobile phones displayed side-by-side.

📝 In Action

Todos los estudiantes deben apagar sus teléfonos durante la clase.

A1

All the students must turn off their phones during class.

¿Cuántos teléfonos hay en tu casa? ¿Dos o tres?

A1

How many telephones are there in your house? Two or three?

La tienda vende teléfonos de diferentes marcas y colores.

A2

The store sells phones of different brands and colors.

Necesitamos cargar los teléfonos antes del viaje largo.

A1

We need to charge the phones before the long trip.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • celulares (cell phones (common in Latin America))
  • móviles (mobile phones (common in Spain))

Common Collocations

  • comprar teléfonosto buy phones
  • reparar teléfonosto repair phones
  • teléfonos inteligentessmart phones

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "teléfonos" in Spanish:

mobile phonesphonestelephones

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: teléfonos

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the article with 'teléfonos'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
teléfono(phone (singular))Noun
telefónico(telephonic)Adjective
llamar(to call)Verb
🎵 Rhymes
dueñossueñospequeños
📚 Etymology

This word is a combination of two ancient Greek roots: 'tele' meaning 'far' or 'distant,' and 'phōnē' meaning 'voice' or 'sound.' It literally means 'distant sound,' perfectly describing the invention.

First recorded: 19th century (after the invention of the device)

Cognates (Related words)

English: telephoneFrench: téléphonesItalian: telefoni

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'teléfonos' the only way to say 'phones' in Spanish?

No. While 'teléfonos' is universally understood, when referring specifically to mobile devices, many countries prefer synonyms. In Spain, you often hear 'móviles,' and in much of Latin America, you hear 'celulares'.

Is 'teléfonos' masculine or feminine?

It is a masculine plural noun. You must use masculine words with it, like 'los teléfonos' (the phones) or 'muchos teléfonos' (many phones).