sonido
/soˈnido/masculine
The English word 'sound' is translated into Spanish as sonido.
Sonido is a masculine noun used to describe a sensation perceived by the ear.
Meaning: sensation perceived by the ear (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sonido is the standard term for a sound, you might use sonidito to refer specifically to a small or gentle sound or ruidito for an informal way to describe a small sound or noise. If you are discussing the loudness, intensity or resonance of a sound, the formal term sonoridad is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sonido is sonidos.
How do you pronounce it?
/soˈnido/
Did you know?
- The word sonido shares a linguistic root with the English word 'sonic' and the musical term 'sonata'.
- The word sonido was actually shaped by the way other Spanish words for noise end, such as ruido or rugido, following a pattern of similar-sounding words.
- While sonido is the noun for a sound, the verb sonar is used for everything from a phone ringing to a place sounding familiar.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué fue ese sonido?What was that sound?This sentence is useful for asking what a specific sonido was.Tatoeba #1271522 by Silvestre, translation #954582 by CK
- ¿Has oído ese sonido?Did you hear that sound?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has heard a specific sonido.Tatoeba #1011773 by hayastan, translation #476141 by saeb
- El sonido sube y baja.The sound rises and falls.This sentence is useful for describing how a sonido rises and falls.Tatoeba #2231780 by wallebot, translation #268274 by AlanF_US
- El sonido de las olas es relajante.The sound of the waves is relaxing.
- El ruido del tráfico es insoportable.The noise of the traffic is unbearable.
- El timbre de su voz es hermoso.The timbre of his/her voice is beautiful.
- ¡Qué ruido hace esa moto!What a loud noise that motorcycle makes!
- El bebé hizo un ruidito mientras dormía.The baby made a little sound while sleeping.
- Escuché un sonidito que venía del armario.I heard a little sound coming from the closet.
- 105 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are watching a movie at home.
- ElenaNo escucho bien el sonido de la televisión.I can't hear the sound of the television well.
- JavierEspera, voy a subir el sonido ahora.Wait, I'm going to turn up the sound now.
- ElenaGracias, Javier. Ahora el sonido está perfecto.Thanks, Javier. Now the sound is perfect.
- JavierDe nada, Elena. Disfrutemos la película.You're welcome, Elena. Let's enjoy the movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sound” translations and entries sonido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sonido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
