Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| calentador | /kalentaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| terma | /teɾma/ (from spelling rules) | Peru, feminine |
| termo | /ˈteɾmo/ | Spain, masculine |
| termosifón | /teɾmosiˈfon/ | masculine |
| termofón | /teɾmofon/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| calefón | /kaleˈfon/ | masculine |
The term is used to describe an appliance designed for heating water. While calentador can refer to any kind of heater, it is often used specifically for a water heater when you specify it as calentador de agua. You might use the phrase calentador de agua para la ducha to mean 'water heater for the shower' or calentador de agua para todo el hogar for a 'whole-house water heater'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word calentador is derived from the verb calentar (to heat) and the suffix -dor, which denotes a person who performs an action or a tool that performs an action.
Which one should you use?
The various forms differ based on regional preference and specific types of devices. While calentador is a general term for a heater, adding 'de agua' clarifies that you mean a water heater. Other specific terms like termosifón or termofón also exist for certain types of water heating systems.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Peru, people commonly use the feminine noun terma. In Spain, the masculine noun termo is a common way to refer to a water heater. The term calefón is used in several South American countries, such as Argentina and Chile.
How does it change in a sentence?
To avoid confusion with space heaters, you can be more specific by using the phrase calentador de agua.
How do you pronounce it?
/kalentaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- If you ask for a termo in some Spanish-speaking countries, you might receive a vacuum flask for coffee rather than a water heating appliance.
- The Spanish word termo used in Spain for a water heater actually comes from a commercial trademark, 'Thermos'.
- The suffix -dor in calentador is a direct descendant of the Latin -tor, which is the same ancestor used for English words like 'inventor' and 'creator'.
Examples in context
- Acabo de dar el calefón.I just put the water heater on.This sentence shows the use of calefón.Tatoeba #1165335 by marcelostockle, translation #1165354 by marcelostockle
- Nuestro calentador pierde agua.Our water heater is leaking.This sentence shows the use of calentador.Tatoeba #6569812 by arh, translation #6569168 by CK
- Necesitamos cambiar nuestro calentador de agua.We need to replace our hot water heater.Tatoeba #6569808 by arh, translation #6569171 by CK
- Necesito comprar un nuevo calentador de agua para la casa.I need to buy a new water heater for the house.
- El termo eléctrico dejó de funcionar y no tengo agua caliente.The water heater stopped working, and I don't have hot water.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are in their apartment discussing a repair.
- Sofía¿Está roto el calentador, Alejandro?Is the water heater broken, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, no sale agua caliente.Yes, no hot water is coming out.
- SofíaDebemos llamar al técnico ahora.We must call the technician now.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Sofía.You are right, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “water heater” translations and entries calentador, termo, termosifón, calefón, 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 calentador, termo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
