Spanish word

telefonear

Pronunciation

IPA/telefoneˈaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbcall

Example

Mi amigo me telefoneó anoche.

My friend called me last night.

Illustration for telefonear (call)

More examples

Voy a telefonear al médico para pedir cita.

I'm going to phone the doctor to make an appointment.

Core concept

Making a phone call to someone.

Common phrases

  • telefonear a alguien

    phone someone

  • telefonear por la mañana

    phone in the morning

  • telefonear de urgencia

    phone urgently

Similar words

llamar: Calls someone by phone and speaks with them.
atender: Answers an incoming phone call.
descolgar: Lifts the handset or receiver when answering a call.

Definition in Spanish

Llamar por teléfono a otra persona para hablar con ella.

Word origin

Formed by adding the verb-forming suffix -ear to teléfono, and teléfono comes from Greek tele- 'far' plus phonē 'voice'.

Usage tips

  • Colloquial verb that specifically signals contact by telephone, so in formal contexts prefer llamar.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word