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claxon means horn — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 11, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

claxon

noun • /[CLAK-son]/

horn

Example:

El claxon sonó muy fuerte.

The horn was really loud.

🧠 What does claxon mean?

Claxon refers to the horn of a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or bus. It is the device used to produce a loud warning sound. It is a masculine noun: el claxon.

📚 Extra examples

  • El conductor tocó el claxon para advertir al peatón.
    The driver honked the horn to warn the pedestrian.
  • El ruido de los cláxones en el atasco era insoportable.
    The sound of the horns in the traffic jam was unbearable.
  • Mi coche no pasó la inspección porque el claxon no funciona.
    My car didn't pass inspection because the horn doesn't work.
  • Se prohíbe el uso del claxon cerca de los hospitales.
    The use of the horn is prohibited near hospitals.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'claxon' is an eponym, derived from the brand name 'Klaxon', an early 20th-century manufacturer of loud electric horns. The brand name became so associated with the product that it entered the Spanish language as the generic term for a vehicle's horn.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "claxon"

Synonyms: bocina, pito

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'horn' in Spanish?
The most common word for a vehicle's horn in Spanish is 'claxon' (el claxon). In some regions, especially in Latin America, 'bocina' is also frequently used. 'Pito' can also be heard, but it is less common for a car horn.
How do you pronounce 'claxon' in Spanish?
'Claxon' is pronounced 'KLAHK-sohn'. The stress falls on the first syllable, 'cla-'. The 'x' has a 'ks' sound.
How do you use 'claxon' in a sentence?
'Claxon' is a masculine noun. It is often used with the verb 'tocar', as in 'tocar el claxon', which means 'to honk the horn'. For example: 'El taxista tocó el claxon repetidamente.' (The taxi driver honked the horn repeatedly.)
What is the English translation of 'claxon'?
The English translation of 'claxon' is 'horn', specifically the horn of a vehicle like a car, bus, or truck.
Does 'claxon' change for gender or number?
'Claxon' is a masculine noun, so it uses the article 'el' (el claxon). The plural form is 'cláxones' (los cláxones), with a written accent on the 'a' to maintain the original stress.
Is 'claxon' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'claxon' is a very common and standard term used in everyday Spanish, particularly in Spain, to refer to a vehicle's horn.
Does 'claxon' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'claxon' does not have any common slang or double meanings. It refers specifically and directly to the warning device on a vehicle.
Is 'claxon' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While 'claxon' is understood everywhere, its frequency varies. In Spain, 'claxon' is the predominant term. In many parts of Latin America, the word 'bocina' is much more common for a car horn. 'Pito' is also used in some countries but can also refer to a whistle.

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