el reloj
/el ɾelox/from spelling rules
el reloj is the Spanish phrase for the English 'the clock'.
el reloj refers to a device used to measure and show the time. While English speakers often distinguish between a 'clock' (on a wall or table) and a 'watch' (on the wrist), Spanish uses el reloj to cover both objects.
Which one should you use?
While el reloj is the general term for any timepiece, you can use reloj de pulsera to be more specific when referring to a wristwatch. If you need to refer to multiple timepieces, the plural form is los relojes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of el reloj is los relojes.
How do you pronounce it?
/el ɾelox/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde está el reloj de pulsera que me regalaste?Where is the wristwatch you gave me?
- El reloj marca las doce.The clock shows twelve o'clock.
- El reloj de la pared es antiguo.The wall clock is old.
- ¿Dónde dejaste el reloj?Where did you leave the watch?
- El reloj no tiene pilas.The clock has no batteries.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are looking at a piece of jewelry.
- MateoMira el reloj de mi abuelo.Look at my grandfather's watch.
- ElenaEs muy elegante, Mateo.It is very elegant, Mateo.
- MateoSí, pero el reloj es antiguo.Yes, but the watch is old.
- ElenaEso lo hace más especial.That makes it more special.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, reloj, CC BY-SA 4.0.
