Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| auriculares | /auɾikuˈlaɾes/ | masculine |
| audífonos | /auˈdifonos/ | masculine, plural |
Both auriculares and audífonos are used to refer to small speakers worn over the ears.
Which one should you use?
In Spain, auriculares is the standard term for earphones or headphones. In many parts of Latin America, audífonos is the common term for earphones. However, in Spain, audífonos refers to hearing aids, whereas in Latin America, it can mean both earphones and hearing aids depending on the context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may use the phrase cascos para oír música to mean headphones for listening to music. As noted, in Spain, audífonos refers to hearing aids and auriculares is used for earphones. In Latin America, audífonos is a way to say earphones.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the plural form auriculares is most common, you can use the singular form el auricular to refer to a single earpiece.
How do you pronounce it?
/auɾikuˈlaɾes/
Did you know?
- The informal term cascos used in Spain literally means 'helmets', reflecting how large headphones physically enclose the head.
- The word auriculares is derived from the Latin auricula, which refers to the outer rim of the ear or a small ear-shaped shell.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the term audífonos is used for both professional studio gear and tiny earbuds, unlike English which often distinguishes between 'headphones' and 'earbuds'.
Examples in context
- Esos audífonos no sirven.Those earphones don't work.This sentence uses audífonos.Tatoeba #1296068 by marcelostockle, translation #772507 by CK
- Estos audífonos no sirven.These earphones don't work.Tatoeba #3112433 by marcelostockle, translation #61323 by CK
- ¿Tienes audífonos?Do you have earphones?Tatoeba #4974731 by cueyayotl, translation #65831 by CK
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar unos auriculares nuevos?Where can I buy new earphones?
- Hoy me compré unos cascos inalámbricos.Today I bought wireless earphones.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are studying in a quiet library.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿puedes prestarme tus auriculares?Daniel, can you lend me your earphones?
- DanielClaro, pero están en mi mochila.Sure, but they are in my backpack.
- LucíaGracias, necesito mis auriculares para estudiar.Thanks, I need earphones to study.
- DanielAquí tienes, Lucía.Here you go, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “earphones” translations and entries auriculares, audífonos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
