timbre
/ˈtimbɾe/masculine
The Spanish word for doorbell is timbre.
The word timbre refers to the device located on or adjacent to an outer door used to announce one's presence. When you want to say "to ring the doorbell," the verb used is tocar el timbre.
Meaning: device on or adjacent to an outer door for announcing one's presence (noun)
Which one should you use?
In many contexts timbre can also refer to the "timbre" or the quality of a sound, such as tone color, just as it does in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
timbre is a masculine noun, so it is typically preceded by the masculine article el when referring to the device.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtimbɾe/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word timbre can be used to refer to a postage stamp, as both were historically related to official markings or seals.
- The Spanish word timbre is a doublet of tímpano, meaning 'eardrum'. Both words trace their roots back to the Ancient Greek word for 'drum'.
- In some Latin American countries, people may use the word campana when referring to old-fashioned doorbells that sound like actual bells.
Examples in context
- Tom tocó el timbre.Tom rang the doorbell.This sentence shows how to use the verb with timbre.Tatoeba #1172538 by marcelostockle, translation #1164282 by CK
- Están tocando el timbre.They're ringing the doorbell.This sentence shows the continuous action of using timbre.Tatoeba #1698553 by marcelostockle, translation #3763358 by cromwellt
- ¿No escuchaste el timbre?Didn't you hear the doorbell?This sentence uses timbre in a question about hearing the sound.Tatoeba #2324993 by hayastan, translation #2275781 by CK
- ¿Puede usted tocar el timbre?Can you ring the doorbell?
- Tocó el timbreHe/she rang the doorbell
- Por favor, presiona el timbre y espera a que alguien abra la puerta.Please press the doorbell and wait for someone to open the door.
- El timbre está roto. ¿Puedes tocar la puerta en su lugar?The doorbell is broken. Can you knock on the door instead?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are at the front door of an apartment.
- Javier¿Dónde está el timbre?Where is the doorbell?
- LucíaEstá a la derecha de la puerta.It is to the right of the door.
- JavierYa lo encontré.I found it now.
- LucíaPerfecto, ahora podemos entrar.Perfect, now we can enter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “doorbell” translations and entries timbre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries timbre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
