armónica
/aɾˈmonika/feminine
The English word harmonica is translated into Spanish as armónica. Wiktionary also lists harmónica and rondín.
Meaning: wind instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| armónica | /aɾˈmonika/ | feminine |
| harmónica | /aɾmonika/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| rondín | /ronˈdin/ | Ecuador, Peru, masculine |
The term refers to the wind instrument.
Which one should you use?
The spelling without the initial 'h', armónica, is the most common and standard form in Spanish, though harmónica is also an accepted variant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Ecuador and Peru, the word rondín is used to refer to a harmonica.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la instead of the masculine el.
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾˈmonika/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word armónica can also refer to a 'glass harmonica', a rare instrument made of rotating glass bowls that produces a haunting sound.
- In some Latin American folk traditions, the armónica is often associated with the 'estilo campesino' or rural style, symbolizing the voice of the working class.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if someone refers to a rondín, they are not talking about a musical instrument but might actually be referring to a 'patrol' or a 'police round' vehicle.
Examples in context
- Tom toca la armónica de oído.Tom plays the harmonica by ear.This sentence shows how to use the word armónica in the context of playing by ear.Tatoeba #1208058 by cueyayotl, translation #1024341 by CK
- Cuando era niño, solía tocar la armónica en mi banda de música.When I was a child, I used to play the harmonica in my music band.
- La armónica es un instrumento pequeño.The harmonica is a small instrument.
- ¿Dónde compraste esa armónica azul?Where did you buy that blue harmonica?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is practicing a song in the living room.
- MaríaEsa armónica suena muy bien, Alejandro.That harmonica sounds very good, Alejandro.
- AlejandroGracias, María, estoy practicando mucho.Thanks, María, I am practicing a lot.
- María¿Es una armónica nueva?Is it a new harmonica?
- AlejandroSí, es un regalo de mi padre.Yes, it is a gift from my father.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “harmonica” translations and entries armónica, rondín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
