How do you say 'wedding ring' in Spanish?

The most common term is 'anillo de boda' or 'anillo de matrimonio.' In many Latin American countries, 'argolla de matrimonio' is also widely used, while in Spain 'alianza' is the traditional word for a wedding band.

How do you say 'to ring' as in a phone ringing?

The verb is 'sonar.' For example, 'El teléfono está sonando' means 'The phone is ringing.' You can also use 'timbrar' in some Latin American countries. This is completely unrelated to the noun 'anillo.'

What is the difference between anillo and sortija?

Both mean ring, but 'sortija' tends to refer to ornamental or decorative rings, often with stones or elaborate designs. 'Anillo' is the broader, more universally used term that covers all types of finger rings.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Ring in Spanish

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Anillo · noun · ah-NEE-yoh

The Spanish word for ring is <b>anillo</b>, referring to a circular band of metal or other material worn on the finger as jewelry or a token of commitment.

ah-NEE-yoh

Lleva un anillo de oro en el dedo anular.

She wears a gold ring on her ring finger.

Ring in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for ring, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
anillo	ring	ah-NEE-yoh	Default, widely understood
sortija	ring		Spain, ornamental rings
argolla	ring		Latin America, wedding bands
aro	ring		General, hoop-style rings

How Native Speakers Use Anillo

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Engagement surprise

Le dio un anillo de compromiso con un diamante enorme.

He gave her an engagement ring with a huge diamond.

Describing a proposal with a diamond ring.

Lost jewelry

Perdí mi anillo favorito en la playa.

I lost my favorite ring at the beach.

Talking about misplacing a piece of jewelry.

Shopping for accessories

Quiero comprar un anillo de plata para mi hermana.

I want to buy a silver ring for my sister.

Planning a gift purchase at a jewelry store.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Anillo

Confusing ring (jewelry) with ring (sound)

Incorrect: El teléfono anilló tres veces.

Correct: El teléfono sonó tres veces.

Anillo is only the noun for a jewelry ring. The verb 'to ring' (as in a phone or bell) is 'sonar' in Spanish.

Using argolla for all ring types

Incorrect: Me compré una argolla con una piedra preciosa.

Correct: Me compré un anillo con una piedra preciosa.

Argolla typically refers to a plain wedding band in Latin America. For rings with gemstones or decorative elements, anillo is the standard term.

Lock in Ring Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Anillo used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using anillo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Lleva un anillo de oro en el dedo anular. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

Save, review, repeat, stay consistent

Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.

Common Questions About Ring in Spanish

How do you say 'wedding ring' in Spanish?: The most common term is 'anillo de boda' or 'anillo de matrimonio.' In many Latin American countries, 'argolla de matrimonio' is also widely used, while in Spain 'alianza' is the traditional word for a wedding band.
How do you say 'to ring' as in a phone ringing?: The verb is 'sonar.' For example, 'El teléfono está sonando' means 'The phone is ringing.' You can also use 'timbrar' in some Latin American countries. This is completely unrelated to the noun 'anillo.'
What is the difference between anillo and sortija?: Both mean ring, but 'sortija' tends to refer to ornamental or decorative rings, often with stones or elaborate designs. 'Anillo' is the broader, more universally used term that covers all types of finger rings.