pandereta
/pandeˈɾeta/feminine
The English word tambourine is pandereta in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists pandero.
Meaning: percussion instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pandereta | /pandeˈɾeta/ | feminine |
| pandero | /panˈdeɾo/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
pandereta refers to the standard small tambourine often used in music or folk dance. In contrast, pandero refers to a larger, often deeper-sounding frame drum that is sometimes used similarly to a tambourine in folk music.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the feminine pandereta is panderetas, while the plural of the masculine pandero is panderos.
How do you pronounce it?
/pandeˈɾeta/
Did you know?
- The word pandero is linked through a medieval theory to the Greek god Pan, the deity of the wild and shepherds. This connection was famously documented by the scholar Isidore of Seville.
- In many Spanish folk dances, such as the jota, the pandereta is not just accompaniment but is played by the dancer as a rhythmic lead.
- The suffix -eta in pandereta is a diminutive, meaning the pandereta is literally a 'little 'pandera'.
Examples in context
- Le di una pandereta de regalo a mi papá.I gave my dad a tambourine as a gift.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use pandereta when giving a gift.Tatoeba #1346227 by marcelostockle, translation #570996 by FeuDRenais
- Durante la presentación musical, el percusionista tocaba la pandereta con gran destreza.During the music performance, the percussionist played the tambourine with great skill.
- El músico interactuó con el público mientras golpeaba su tamboril.The musician interacted with the audience while playing his tambourine.
- La pandereta suena muy fuerte.The tambourine sounds very loud.
- Ella toca la pandereta en la fiesta.She plays the tambourine at the party.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are preparing for a music rehearsal.
- Daniel¿Dónde está mi pandereta?Where is my tambourine?
- MaríaEstá sobre la mesa, Daniel.It is on the table, Daniel.
- DanielGracias, María. La necesito para ensayar.Thanks, María. I need it for rehearsal.
- MaríaDe nada, buen ensayo.You're welcome, have a good rehearsal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tambourine” translations and entries pandereta, pandero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pandereta, pandero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
