baterista
/bateˈɾista/Latin America, feminine, masculine
The Spanish word for drummer is baterista. If unsure, use baterista. Wiktionary also lists batería.
Meaning: one who plays the drums (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| batería | /bateˈɾia/ | Spain, feminine, masculine |
| baterista | /bateˈɾista/ | Latin America, feminine, masculine |
Both batería and baterista are used to refer to a drummer, depending on the region and context.
Which one should you use?
In Latin America, a distinction is typically made between the instrument (la batería) and the person (el/la baterista).
Is it said differently in some regions?
batería is used in Spain, while baterista is the standard term in Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
baterista is a common-gender noun. This means the ending does not change to indicate gender. Instead, you change the article to differentiate between a male or female drummer (el baterista vs. la baterista).
How do you pronounce it?
/bateˈɾista/
Did you know?
- In a military context, a batería refers to a group of artillery guns or cannons grouped together, rather than a musical instrument.
- The word batería is a direct descendant of the French word batterie, which shares roots with the English word 'battery'.
- In some traditional Spanish music styles, a drummer might be called a tamborilero, which refers specifically to someone playing a 'tamboril' or traditional snare drum.
Examples in context
- Tomás es el mejor baterista que conozco.Tom is the best drummer I know.This sentence is useful for describing someone's skill as a baterista.Tatoeba #4795985 by alegarvid, translation #3921646 by CK
- El baterista tomó las baquetas y dio comienzo a la música.The drummer grabbed the drumsticks and made the music start.This sentence shows the use of baterista in a musical context.Tatoeba #1196357 by marcelostockle, translation #1196358 by marcelostockle
- el legendario batería de Talking Headsthe legendary drummer of Talking HeadsThis sentence shows how batería is used to refer to a drummer.
- Mi primo es un excelente baterista.My cousin is an excellent drummer.
- Los bateristas son esenciales para cualquier banda de música.Drummers are essential for any music band.
- Me gusta cómo toca la batería ese percusionista.I like how that drummer plays the drums.
- Nuestro baterista favorito es increíble.Our favorite drummer is amazing.
- María es una talentosa baterista.María is a talented drummer.
- Mi hermano quiere convertirse en baterista profesional.My brother wants to become a professional drummer.
- Lucía es una reconocida baterista en la industria musical.Lucía is a well-known drummer in the music industry.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are talking about a music group.
- Lucía¿Quién es el baterista de tu banda?Who is your band's drummer?
- AlejandroEs un chico muy bueno, se llama Carlos.He is a very good guy, his name is Carlos.
- Lucía¡Qué bien! Me encanta su ritmo.That's great! I love his rhythm.
- AlejandroÉl es el baterista más rápido que he visto.He is the fastest drummer I have seen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drummer” translations and entries batería, baterista, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries batería, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
