xilófono
/siˈlofono/masculine
The English word xylophone is translated into Spanish as xilófono. If unsure, use xilófono. Wiktionary also lists marimba.
Meaning: musical instrument (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| xilófono | /siˈlofono/ /ksiˈlofono/ |
masculine |
| marimba | /maˈɾimba/ | feminine |
xilófono refers to the musical instrument. In some contexts, you may also encounter the word marimba to refer to a similar type of percussion instrument.
Which one should you use?
xilófono is a masculine noun, whereas marimba is a feminine noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
xilófono is a masculine noun and is used with the masculine article el (e.g., el xilófono). The plural form of xilófono is xilófonos.
How do you pronounce it?
/siˈlofono/
Did you know?
- While xilófono is the general term, the marimba is a national symbol of Guatemala, where it is considered the heart of the country's musical identity.
- The word xilófono is a linguistic relative of the English term 'xylography', which describes the art of engraving on wood.
- Traditional Latin American marimbas are often crafted from a specific type of wood called hormigo to achieve their distinct sound.
Examples in context
- Tom toca el xilófono mejor que Mary.Tom plays the xylophone better than Mary does.This sentence demonstrates how to use xilófono in a sentence comparing two people's playing abilities.Tatoeba #1328881 by Shishir, translation #1028204 by CK
- María toca el xilófono en la orquesta sinfónica.Maria plays the xylophone in the symphony orchestra.
- Me encanta el sonido del xilófono cuando se toca con habilidad.I love the sound of the xylophone when played skillfully.
- Tu hermana tiene un xilofón en su habitación.Your sister has a xylophone in her room.
- Los niños están aprendiendo a tocar el xilófono en la escuela.The children are learning to play the xylophone at school.
- Quiero comprar un xilofón para mi sobrino.I want to buy a xylophone for my nephew.
- El xilófono suena muy alegre.The xylophone sounds very cheerful.
- ¿Dónde está mi xilófono?Where is my xylophone?
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are in a music classroom.
- DanielLucía, ¿puedes traer el xilófono?Lucía, can you bring the xylophone?
- LucíaSí, Daniel, aquí lo tienes.Yes, Daniel, here it is.
- DanielGracias, es un instrumento muy bonito.Thank you, it is a very beautiful instrument.
- LucíaTienes razón, suena de maravilla.You're right, it sounds wonderful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “xylophone” translations and entries xilófono, marimba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
