Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tornillo | /toɾˈniʝo/ | masculine |
| bulón | /buˈlon/ | masculine |
| perno | /ˈpeɾno/ | masculine |
The words refer to a metal fastener. In many contexts, tornillo is used generically to refer to any small fastener, even if an English speaker might distinguish between a screw and a bolt. If you want to describe the action of connecting pieces using a bolt or screw, use the verb atornillar. To express the phrase 'to accelerate suddenly', use salir disparado.
Which one should you use?
While tornillo is the most common word for both 'bolt' and 'screw', it is the default term used in everyday conversation for any threaded fastener. To be more precise, the term perno is used specifically to distinguish a heavy-duty bolt (which requires a nut) from a standard screw. Similarly, bulón is a technical synonym for perno, often used in industrial or engineering contexts to refer to large bolts.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/toɾˈniʝo/
Did you know?
- The word tornillo is used to describe the spiral shape of a snail shell in some regions. This refers to the geometric spiral rather than the metal object.
- In many Spanish speaking countries, the phrase le falta un tornillo is used to describe someone who is slightly crazy. It is the direct equivalent of the English expression 'to have a screw loose'.
- The word tornillo comes from torno and the suffix -illo. This reflects the Latin tornus and the Ancient Greek τόρνος.
Examples in context
- Este tornillo encaja con esta tuerca.This bolt fits this nut.This sentence is useful for showing how tornillo fits with a nut.Tatoeba #1494397 by wallebot, translation #2419395 by MethodGT
- El tornillo está aflojado.The bolt is loosened.This sentence is useful for describing the state of a tornillo.Tatoeba #12195176 by carlosalberto, translation #10011510 by Amastan
- Necesitas una llave para apretar el tornilloYou need a wrench to tighten the bolt
- El perno de la puerta está flojoThe bolt on the door is loose
- Necesito un tornillo más largo para la mesa.I need a longer bolt for the table.
Example conversation
Javier is fixing a broken wooden chair in the living room.
- Javier¿Tienes un tornillo de metal por aquí?Do you have a metal bolt around here?
- LucíaCreo que está en la caja de herramientas.I think it is in the toolbox.
- JavierGracias, Lucía, este tornillo parece el correcto.Thanks, Lucía, this bolt looks like the right one.
- LucíaQué bueno que lo encontraste.I'm glad you found it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bolt” translations and entries tornillo, bulón, perno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tornillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
