teléfono

te-LE-fo-noteˈlefono

“teléfono” means “telephone” in Spanish (The device used for calls.).

telephone, phone

Also: phone number

NounmA1

SpainLatin America

A simple, colorful illustration of a modern blue smartphone centered on a light background, with a vibrant green speech bubble floating above the screen, symbolizing communication.

📝 In Action

¿Me prestas tu teléfono para hacer una llamada?

Can I borrow your phone to make a call?

El teléfono está sonando, ¿puedes contestar?

The phone is ringing, can you answer it?

Olvidé mi teléfono en casa esta mañana.

I forgot my phone at home this morning.

Apunte mi número de teléfono: es el 555-1234.

Write down my phone number: it's 555-1234.

Word Connections

Synonyms

móvil (mobile phone (Spain))
celular (cell phone (Latin America))

Common Collocations

número de teléfono – phone number
llamar por teléfono – to call on the phone
contestar el teléfono – to answer the phone
teléfono fijo – landline phone
teléfono inteligente – smartphone

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "teléfono" in Spanish:

phone number→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: teléfono

Question 1 of 1

Which phrase is the most natural way to say 'I'm going to call you'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

telefonear(to telephone) — Verb

telefónico(telephonic / related to phones) — Adjective

telefonista(telephone operator) — Noun

telefonillo(intercom / door phone) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

micrófonopolígono

📚 Etymology▼

Comes from two Ancient Greek words: 'tēle' (τῆλε), which means 'far away,' and 'phōnē' (φωνή), which means 'voice' or 'sound.' So, it literally means 'far away sound'!

First recorded: 19th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: telephoneFrench: téléphoneItalian: telefono

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'teléfono', 'móvil', and 'celular'?

'Teléfono' is the general word for any phone, including a landline ('teléfono fijo'). 'Móvil' is what people in Spain call a mobile/cell phone. 'Celular' is what people in most of Latin America call a mobile/cell phone. They all refer to the same device, it just depends on where you are!