temporizador
/tempoɾiθaˈdoɾ/masculine
The English word 'timer' translates to Spanish as temporizador.
temporizador refers to a device used to measure a specific interval of time. This term applies to both mechanical and digital devices.
Meaning: device (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'timers', use temporizadores.
How do you pronounce it?
/tempoɾiθaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- If you say you are 'temporizando' a situation, you are not using a device, but rather performing the act of buying time or hesitating.
- In some Latin American countries, if you are looking for a kitchen timer, you might find it labeled as a cronómetro instead, even though a stopwatch is technically different.
- In common speech, people often avoid the formal temporizador and simply say pon la alarma meaning 'set the alarm' when referring to a kitchen timer.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿podría prestarme un cronómetro?Excuse me, could you lend me a timer?
- Oye, ¿tienes un temporizador que pueda usar?Hey, do you have a timer I can use?
- Pon el temporizador en cinco minutosSet the timer for five minutes.
- El temporizador ha llegado a ceroThe timer has reached zero.
- Necesito un temporizador para hornear el pastelI need a timer to bake the cake.
- Necesito un temporizador para la clase de yoga.I need a timer for the yoga class.
- Pon el temporizador para diez minutos.Set the timer for ten minutes.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are in the kitchen preparing dinner.
- SofíaAlejandro, ¿puedes poner el temporizador?Alejandro, can you set the timer?
- AlejandroSí, ¿de cuánto lo quieres?Yes, how long do you want it for?
- SofíaPon el temporizador para veinte minutos.Set the timer for twenty minutes.
- AlejandroPerfecto, ya está listo.Perfect, it is ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “timer” translations and entries temporizador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
