llamar a
/ʝamaɾ a/from spelling rules
In Spanish, to knock is expressed as llamar a. If unsure, use llamar a. Wiktionary also lists golpear and tocar a.
Meaning: to rap one's knuckles against something (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| llamar a | /ʝamaɾ a/ (from spelling rules) |
| golpear | /ɡolpeˈaɾ/ |
| tocar a | /tokaɾ a/ (from spelling rules) |
| tañer | /taˈɲeɾ/ |
| aldabear | /aldabeˈaɾ/ |
| petar | /peˈtaɾ/ |
To knock refers to the act of rapping one's knuckles against a surface. The most standard way to express the complete action of knocking on a door to gain entry is the phrase llamar a la puerta.
Which one should you use?
While llamar a is used for the social intent of being heard or gaining entry, golpear is used when you want to emphasize the physical act of striking a surface like a door or a table. The term aldabear is a specialized verb that refers specifically to using a door knocker.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Aldabear is a formal or literary term.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝamaɾ a/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying llamar la puerta. English speakers often mistakenly omit the preposition a, but you must say llamar a la puerta to be correct.
Did you know?
- The common verb llamar actually shares its roots with the English word 'clamor', as it originally meant 'to cry out' rather than 'to knock'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, there is a superstition that knocking on wood, tocar madera, prevents bad luck from coming true.
- The verb tocar is used for knocking but also means 'to play' a musical instrument, such as tocar la guitarra.
Examples in context
- Siempre deberías golpear la puerta antes de entrar a la habitación de Tom.You should always knock before entering Tom's room.This sentence shows how to use golpear when referring to a door.Tatoeba #1070862 by hayastan, translation #1023709 by CK
- Considero que los Testigos de Jehová que vienen constantemente a llamar a mi puerta no son diferentes de los fanáticos religiosos que intentan convertirme.I consider the Jehovah's witnesses who knock on my door all the time to be no different from religious zealots trying to force their beliefs on me.This sentence uses llamar a to describe the act of knocking on a door.Tatoeba #1055648 by Shishir, translation #1935 by Zifre
- El mensajero llamó a la puerta y esperó pacientemente.The messenger knocked and patiently waited.
- Pedro tocó la puerta con delicadeza antes de entrar al despacho.Pedro knocked on the door gently before entering the office.
- La niña golpeó la puerta y corrió hacia su padre.The girl knocked on the door and ran towards her father.
- Antonio dio un toque a la puerta antes de entrar a la habitación.Antonio knocked on the door before entering the room.
Example conversation
Sofía is visiting Alejandro's house.
- SofíaVoy a llamar a la puerta ahora.I am going to knock on the door now.
- AlejandroNo hace falta, la puerta está abierta.No need, the door is open.
- SofíaPero me gusta llamar a la puerta primero.But I like to knock on the door first.
- AlejandroEstá bien, Sofía, entra ya.That's fine, Sofía, come in already.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knock” translations and entries golpear, tañer, aldabear, petar, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, golpear, llamar, tañer, tocar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
