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How to Say "chime" in Spanish

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campana

kahm-PAH-nah/kamˈpana/

nounA1general
Use 'campana' when referring to the sound made by a bell, especially a large one like a church bell.
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.

sonó

verbA1general
Use 'sonó' (the past tense of 'sonar') when referring to the action of something ringing, like a phone or an alarm.

Examples

El teléfono sonó justo cuando salía de casa.

The phone rang just as I was leaving the house.

Campana vs. Sonó

Learners often confuse 'campana' (the bell itself or its sound) with 'sonó' (the action of ringing). Remember, 'campana' is a noun referring to the object or its sound, while 'sonó' is a verb describing the act of ringing.

Related Translations

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