perilla
/peˈɾiʝa/feminine
The English word "knob" is translated into Spanish as perilla. Wiktionary also lists asa.
Meaning: rounded protuberance, handle, or control switch (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| perilla | /peˈɾiʝa/ | feminine |
| asa | /ˈasa/ | feminine |
Perilla is the standard term for a small, rounded knob used for turning, such as a door knob or a volume dial on an appliance. It can also refer to a rounded protuberance or a control switch. Another term, pomos, is used to refer to door knobs, cabinet knobs or any other type of round handle or knob that you twist or pull.
Which one should you use?
While perilla refers to a small, rounded knob or a control dial, asa is used for a handle that is typically shaped like a loop, such as a handle on a mug or a basket.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some Central American countries, perilla de puerta is an alternative used specifically for door knobs.
How does it change in a sentence?
Perilla is a feminine noun. Its plural form is perillas.
How do you pronounce it?
/peˈɾiʝa/
Did you know?
- The word perilla is also the common Spanish word for a 'goatee' beard style. If you tell a barber you want a perilla, you are asking for facial hair rather than a hardware component.
- The word perilla is a diminutive of pera, which means 'pear'. Etymologically, a knob is treated as a 'little pear'.
- The word pomo for a door knob is closely related to the Latin word 'pomum', which means 'fruit'.
Examples in context
- Tom giró la perilla y abrió la puerta.Tom twisted the knob and opened the door.This sentence shows how to use perilla in the context of opening a door.Tatoeba #1958954 by marcelostockle, translation #1877565 by CK
- Gira aquella perilla hacia la derecha y la caja se abrirá.Twist that knob to the right and the box will open.This sentence demonstrates using perilla when referring to a control that opens a box.Tatoeba #1242991 by marcelostockle, translation #46783 by CK
- El pomo de la puerta está suelto.The doorknob is loose.
- Gira la perilla para ajustar el volumen.Turn the knob to adjust the volume.
- ¿Podrías pasarle aceite a la manilla del armario?Could you oil the cabinet knob?
- La perilla de la estufa está muy caliente.The stove knob is very hot.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are in the kitchen fixing an appliance.
- Mateo¿Puedes alcanzar la perilla de la radio?Can you reach the radio knob?
- ElenaSí, la tengo aquí mismo.Yes, I have it right here.
- MateoElena, ten cuidado con esa pieza.Elena, be careful with that piece.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, Mateo, todo está bien.Don't worry, Mateo, everything is fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knob” translations and entries perilla, asa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asa, perilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
