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

📅 Published: December 7, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

timbre

noun • /[TEEM-bre]/

doorbell

Example:

Toca el timbre al llegar.

Ring the doorbell when you arrive.

🧠 What does timbre mean?

In Spanish, `timbre` is a masculine noun that most commonly refers to a doorbell, the button or device outside a door that you press to make a sound inside. However, `timbre` is a versatile word with two other important meanings. It can also refer to a postage stamp, especially in Spain, where it is a synonym for `sello`. Additionally, just like in English, `timbre` can describe the characteristic quality or tone of a sound, such as the `timbre` of a person's voice or a musical instrument.

📚 Extra examples

  • Alguien está tocando el timbre; ¿puedes ir a ver quién es?
    Someone is ringing the doorbell; can you go see who it is?
  • Necesito comprar un timbre para enviar esta postal a Francia.
    I need to buy a stamp to send this postcard to France.
  • La cantante tiene un timbre de voz muy particular y reconocible.
    The singer has a very particular and recognizable vocal timbre.

💡 Did You Know?

The word `timbre` is a notable 'false friend' for English speakers. While it looks and sounds like the English word for sound quality, its most frequent meaning in everyday Spanish is 'doorbell'. It can also mean 'postage stamp', particularly in Spain. Context is crucial to understanding which of its three main meanings is intended.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "timbre"

Synonyms: llamador, campanilla

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'doorbell' in Spanish?
The most common word for 'doorbell' in Spanish is `el timbre`. You might also encounter `el llamador`, but `timbre` is much more widely used for an electric doorbell.
How do you pronounce 'timbre' in Spanish?
`Timbre` is pronounced /'tim.bɾe/. The stress is on the first syllable, 'tim'. The 'r' sound is a single flap of the tongue, not a strong roll.
How do you use 'timbre' in a sentence?
An example sentence is: `Pulsa el timbre para que sepan que has llegado.` (Press the doorbell so they know you've arrived.)
What is the English translation of 'timbre'?
While `timbre` can be translated as 'doorbell', it also means 'postage stamp' (like `sello`) and 'timbre' or 'tone' (referring to the quality of a sound). The correct translation depends on the context.
Does 'timbre' change for gender or number?
Yes, for number. `Timbre` is a masculine noun. The singular form is `el timbre`, and the plural form is `los timbres`.
Is 'timbre' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, `timbre` is a very common word, particularly in its meaning of 'doorbell'. Its other meanings are also used regularly in appropriate contexts.
Does 'timbre' have slang or double meanings?
Besides its three main meanings (doorbell, stamp, sound quality), `timbre` doesn't have common slang uses. The potential for confusion between its standard meanings is the main point to be aware of.
Is 'timbre' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use for 'doorbell' and 'sound quality' is universal. For 'postage stamp', `timbre` is more common in Spain. In most of Latin America, the word `estampilla` or `sello` is preferred.

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