How to Say "Whistle" in Spanish

silbato

/silˈbato/masculine

The English word 'whistle' (the device) is translated into Spanish as silbato. Wiktionary also lists pito and chifle.

Meaning: device used to make a whistling sound (noun)

Ways to say it

In Spanish, the term refers to a physical device used to make a whistling sound.

silbato is the standard and most common word for the physical whistle device. For the related verb 'to whistle' using one's mouth, use silbar.

In addition to silbato, you may encounter pito or chifle.

All three noun forms, silbato, pito and chifle, are masculine nouns.

/silˈbato/

In many Spanish-speaking countries, a 'pito' can also be a slang term for a small or insignificant thing, or even a person's penis.
In Spain, the verb chiflar is often used to mean being crazy about something or someone, rather than just the act of whistling.
The word pito is commonly used in Spain and parts of Latin America to refer to a car horn, even though it literally refers to a whistle.

El policía hizo sonar su silbato.
The police officer blew his whistle.
This sentence shows the use of silbato in the context of a police officer.
Tatoeba #1174144 by marcelostockle, translation #1174145 by CK
Al oír el silbato, partieron a toda velocidad.
On hearing the whistle, they started at full speed.
This sentence demonstrates how hearing a silbato can signal an action.
Tatoeba #1810791 by marcelostockle, translation #33767 by AlanF_US
El policía sopló su silbato para hacer parar al auto.
The policeman blew his whistle for the car to stop.
This sentence describes a policeman using his silbato to signal a car to stop.
Tatoeba #1810798 by marcelostockle, translation #238098 by CK
El árbitro utiliza un silbato para controlar el juego
The referee uses a whistle to control the game
El marinero sopla el pito para alertar a los navegantes
The sailor blows the boat whistle to alert other sailors
Los aficionados chiflaban a los jugadores después de perder el partido
The fans whistled at the players after losing the match
El niño estaba emocionado mientras soplaba el silbato en el parque
The boy was excited as he blew the whistle in the park
3 more sentences on Tatoeba

Daniel and Sofía are preparing for a sports practice.

Daniel

¿Has visto mi silbato?
Have you seen my whistle?
Sofía

Creo que está en tu mochila, Daniel.
I think it is in your backpack, Daniel.
Daniel

Tienes razón, aquí lo tengo.
You are right, I have it here.
Sofía

Perfecto, vamos a empezar la clase.
Perfect, let's start the class.

Sources

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