telefónica
/teh-leh-FOH-nee-kah/
telephone
The adjective telefónica means 'telephone,' referring to anything related to the phone system.
telefónica(Adjective)
telephone
?related to the phone system
telecom
?related to telecommunications
📝 In Action
La línea telefónica está ocupada.
A2The telephone line is busy.
Recibimos una llamada telefónica urgente.
A2We received an urgent phone call.
Necesitas una conexión telefónica estable para la reunión.
B1You need a stable telephone connection for the meeting.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
Since 'telefónica' ends in '-a', it is the feminine form. You must use it only with feminine nouns (like 'línea' or 'llamada'). Use 'telefónico' for masculine nouns (like 'servicio' or 'cable').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Genders
Mistake: "El llamada telefónica."
Correction: La llamada telefónica. Remember that 'llamada' is feminine, so the adjective must also be feminine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use After the Noun
In Spanish, adjectives often come after the noun they describe. 'Línea telefónica' (telephone line) is the standard order.
As a noun, telefónica refers to a 'telephone company' or telecom provider.
📝 In Action
Mi telefónica me cobra demasiado por los datos.
B1My telephone company charges me too much for data.
Contacta a la telefónica para reportar la avería.
B2Contact the phone company to report the fault.
💡 Grammar Points
Derived Noun
This noun is a shorthand way of saying 'la empresa telefónica' (the telephone company). Because 'empresa' (company) is feminine, the adjective 'telefónica' is used by itself to represent the whole idea.
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to Brands
When capitalized (Telefónica), it usually refers to a specific, major multinational corporation, especially in Spain and Latin America.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: telefónica
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'telefónica' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'telefónica' mean 'phone company' sometimes?
It's a common Spanish shortcut! Instead of saying the full phrase 'la empresa telefónica' (the telephone company), native speakers often drop the word 'empresa' and just use 'la telefónica.' Since 'empresa' is feminine, the adjective 'telefónica' keeps its feminine form.
Is 'telefónica' the same as 'teléfono'?
No. 'Teléfono' (masculine noun) is the physical device you use to call. 'Telefónica' (feminine adjective or noun) describes something related to the phone system or refers to the company that provides the service.