Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| telefonear | /telefoneˈaɾ/ |
| llamar por teléfono | /ʝamaɾ poɾ telefono/ (from spelling rules) |
| timbrar | /timˈbɾaɾ/ |
The phrase describes the action of contacting someone using a telephone. While telefonear specifically refers to the telephone, the simpler verb llamar is much more frequently used in everyday Spanish to mean 'to call,' whether that means calling someone on the phone or shouting someone's name. To avoid ambiguity, speakers often use llamar por teléfono to specify that the call is being made via a telephone.
Which one should you use?
Telefonear is a specific verb for the act of phoning, while llamar por teléfono is a common phrase used to clarify that a telephone is being used. The term timbrar is also available. In contrast to these, the verb llamar is the most common way to say 'to call' in general conversation, though it can mean many things depending on context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regarding the noun for a phone itself, celular is the most common word in Latin America, whereas móvil is preferred in Spain and parts of Europe. When specifically referring to a landline phone, particularly in Latin America, the term teléfono fijo is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using llamar to mean calling someone on the phone, it is a transitive verb and is typically followed directly by the person being called.
How do you pronounce it?
/telefoneˈaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may find telefonear slightly more formal or technical than the more conversational llamar por teléfono.
Did you know?
- The verb llamar is a cognate of the English words 'claim' and 'clamor', all stemming from the same root meaning to cry out.
- The distinction between móvil in Spain and celular in Latin America reflects a difference in how the device was conceptualized: as a mobile unit versus a cellular network device.
- The word timbrar comes from timbre, which refers to the sound of a bell. While it can mean to phone someone, it literally describes the act of ringing a bell.
Examples in context
- Desearía llamar por teléfono.I'd like to make a phone call.This sentence shows how to express a desire to make a phone call using llamar por teléfono.Tatoeba #7460121 by arh, translation #5598389 by CK
- ¿Dónde puedo llamar por teléfono?Where can I make a phone call?This sentence is a way to ask where one can make a phone call using llamar por teléfono.Tatoeba #1582634 by Alba, translation #1582614 by marcelostockle
- Voy a llamar por teléfono.I'll make a phone call.This sentence expresses the intention to make a phone call using llamar por teléfono.Tatoeba #872676 by nevlanthiriel, translation #279325 by CK
- Mi teléfono está sonandoMy phone is ringing
- Necesito un nuevo teléfonoI need a new phone
- No puedo encontrar mi celularI can't find my phone
- Por favor, llámame al celularPlease call me on my phone
- Mi móvil tiene una buena cámaraMy phone has a good camera
- Debo silenciar mi móvil durante la reuniónI need to silence my phone during the meeting
- ¿Dónde pusiste el teléfono?Where did you put the phone?
- Voy a mandarte un mensaje por el celI'm going to send you a message on the phone
- No me gusta quedarme sin batería en el móvilI don't like running out of battery on my phone
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing how to contact a friend.
- AlejandroVoy a telefonear a mi hermano ahora.I am going to phone my brother now.
- MaríaMe parece una buena idea, Alejandro.I think that is a good idea, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Quieres telefonear tú primero?Do you want to phone first?
- MaríaNo, prefiero que lo hagas tú, María.No, I prefer that you do it, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “phone” translations and entries telefonear, timbrar, 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 llamar, por, telefonear, teléfono, timbrar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
