campanero
/kampaˈneɾo/masculine
The Spanish phrase for bell ringer is campanero. If unsure, use campanero. Wiktionary also lists campanera.
Meaning: bell ringer (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| campanero | /kampaˈneɾo/ | masculine |
| campanera | /kampaneɾa/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
This term refers to a person who rings bells. Note that while campanero refers to the person, the word campanario is used to describe the bell tower itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of campana (bell) and the suffix -ero, which denotes a person who performs a specific task or works with a specific object.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Colombia, the term repicador is used to describe a bell ringer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form campanero is used for a male bell ringer or as a generic term for the profession. The feminine form campanera is used specifically for a female bell ringer.
How do you pronounce it?
/kampaˈneɾo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish villages, the campanero does not just ring bells randomly but performs a toque de campanas, a rhythmic code used to signal specific events like fires or deaths.
- Historically, a campanero in some Spanish towns was a paid official of the local town council rather than a member of the church clergy.
- The Spanish language has a specific term, repique, which refers to the rapid and rhythmic ringing of bells, distinct from a simple toll.
Examples in context
- El campanero toca las campanas cada mañana en la iglesia.The bell ringer rings the bells every morning at the church.
- El tañedor de la iglesia toca las campanas con maestría.The bell ringer of the church plays the bells skillfully.
- El campanero de la iglesia es muy puntual.The church bell ringer is very punctual.
- Buscan un campanero para la catedral.They are looking for a bell ringer for the cathedral.
- El joven trabaja como campanero en el pueblo.The young man works as a bell ringer in the village.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are talking about a job opening at the local church.
- Mateo¿Sabes si necesitan un campanero?Do you know if they need a bell ringer?
- SofíaSí, Mateo, el puesto sigue disponible.Yes, Mateo, the position is still available.
- MateoEs un trabajo muy tranquilo.It is a very quiet job.
- SofíaTienes razón, sería ideal para ti.You are right, it would be ideal for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bell ringer” translations and entries campanero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
