Inklingo

How to Say "bell" in Spanish

English → Spanish

campana

kahm-PAH-nah/kamˈpana/

nounA1general
Use 'campana' for a large bell, typically found in a church tower or as a signaling device in public spaces.
A large, shiny brass bell hanging from a wooden beam, ready to be rung, against a bright sky background.

Examples

La campana de la iglesia suena cada hora.

The church bell rings every hour.

El carillón está hecho de muchas campanas pequeñas.

The carillon is made of many small bells.

Feminine Noun

Since 'campana' ends in -a, it is feminine. You must use 'la' (the) or 'una' (a) before it.

Confusing Size

Mistake: “Using 'campana' for a tiny bell on a desk.”

Correction: Use 'campanilla' for small, hand-held bells or desk bells. 'Campana' usually implies a larger, fixed bell.

timbre

TEEM-bray/ˈtim.bɾe/

nounA1general
Use 'timbre' for a small, often electric, bell used for signaling, such as a doorbell or a desk bell.
A close-up view of a simple, round silver doorbell button mounted next to a wooden door frame.

Examples

Toca el timbre para avisar que llegaste.

Ring the doorbell to let them know you arrived.

El timbre de mi casa no funciona, tienes que llamar a la puerta.

My house's doorbell doesn't work, you have to knock on the door.

Campana vs. Timbre

The most common mistake is using 'campana' for a doorbell. Remember, 'campana' refers to larger bells, while 'timbre' is for smaller, signaling bells like doorbells or office bells.

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