Introduction
The word videollamadas is a modern and very useful Spanish word for anyone learning the language. It refers to calls made with both audio and video, like the ones you make with a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Because online communication is part of daily life, understanding videollamadas helps learners talk about school meetings, family chats, work calls, and social calls in Spanish. In this article you will find a clear definition, example sentences, pronunciation help, and notes on how native speakers use the word in different situations. The goal is to make the word familiar and easy to use so you feel confident saying and writing it when speaking Spanish.
Meaning and Definition
Videollamadas is the plural of videollamada. It combines video and llamada, the Spanish word for call. A videollamada is a telephone call where participants can see each other through cameras and hear each other through microphones. The basic definition is simple: a real-time audiovisual conversation between two or more people using electronic devices.
Common nuance: Videollamadas often implies live interaction, not recorded videos or messages. It stresses the synchronous, interactive nature of the communication. You can have a videollamada one-on-one or in a group.
Etymology: The word is a compound of video (from Latin via French and English) and llamada (from llamar, to call). Because it is a compound, Spanish keeps the two clear parts and follows normal rules for plural formation by adding -s at the end.
Usage and Example Sentences
Spanish: ¿Puedes hacer videollamadas desde ese ordenador?
English: Can you make video calls from that computer?
Spanish: Hoy tenemos tres videollamadas para el trabajo.
English: Today we have three video calls for work.
Spanish: Prefiero videollamadas porque puedo ver la cara de mis amigos.
English: I prefer video calls because I can see my friends faces.
Spanish: ¿A qué hora empieza la videollamada con la profesora?
English: What time does the video call with the teacher start?
Spanish: Durante las videollamadas es buena idea silenciar el micrófono cuando no hablas.
English: During video calls it’s a good idea to mute your microphone when you are not speaking.
Spanish: Hicimos una videollamada familiar para celebrar el cumpleaños.
English: We had a family video call to celebrate the birthday.
Spanish: Las videollamadas ayudan a trabajar desde casa y a mantener contacto con otros.
English: Video calls help with working from home and keeping in touch with others.
Spanish: Si la conexión es mala, la videollamada puede congelarse o perder audio.
English: If the connection is bad, the video call can freeze or lose audio.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Word Usage Differences
Synonyms: In Spanish you might also hear llamada por video, llamada de video, videoconferencia, or reunión virtual. Videoconferencia often suggests a more formal, business-style meeting with several participants and structured agenda. Reunión virtual implies a meeting that could be audio, video, or both, but commonly includes video.
Antonyms: The opposite of videollamadas would be llamadas de solo voz or llamadas telefónicas tradicionales, which use audio only. Mensajes de texto or mensajes de voz are also non-video communication methods.
Usage differences: Use videollamada when you mean an interactive, live call where people see each other. Choose videoconferencia for a more formal meeting, presentation, or event with many attendees. Use reunión virtual when emphasizing the meeting aspect rather than the technology, for example, when discussing agendas or minutes. For casual chat with friends or family, videollamada is the most natural and common choice.
Pronunciation and Accent
Pronunciation guide: videollamadas is pronounced vee-deh-ya-MAH-dahs in simple English syllables. In IPA: /bi.ðe.o.ʝaˈma.ðas/ or more commonly /bi.ðeo.ʝaˈma.ðas/ depending on regional pronunciation.
Stress: The stress falls on the third-to-last syllable: vi-de-o-lla-MA-das, with the primary stress on MA. Spanish accent rules place the stress on that syllable because the word ends with -s and follows regular stress patterns.
Accent marks: The word does not use written accent marks because Spanish spelling rules do not require one for this word.
Common pronunciation mistakes: English speakers sometimes say video-call as two English words or incorrectly stress the first syllable. Another common issue is pronouncing the ll as the English l sound. In many Spanish dialects, ll is pronounced like y in yes (a palatal sound). In some regions, especially parts of Argentina, ll may sound like the English sh or zh sound. Also be careful with the d sounds: intervocalic d in Spanish is softer, like a sound between d and th in them, not a hard English d.
Native Speaker Nuance and Usage Context
Everyday use: Native speakers use videollamadas casually for family calls, friend chats, and class sessions. It is common to arrange a videollamada to show something visually, like a new pet, homework, or a recipe while cooking. People often say vamos a hacer una videollamada or te llamo por videollamada.
Formal vs informal: Videollamadas works in both formal and informal contexts. In business, you might hear videoconferencia for larger or scheduled events. For informal chats, using videollamada is natural and friendly. When writing professional emails, some speakers prefer videoconferencia or reunión virtual to sound more formal.
Platform specifics: Native speakers often mention the platform: hacer una videollamada por Zoom, por Skype, por WhatsApp, por Google Meet, or por Teams. The verb hacer is common: hacer una videollamada or hacer una videollamada con alguien. You can also say llamar por videollamada, which emphasizes the calling action.
Politeness and rules: In professional videollamadas, typical etiquette includes joining on time, dressing appropriately, muting when not speaking, and using a neutral background. In family videollamadas, people are more relaxed and may use filters, show pets, or eat during the call. Native speakers adapt tone and behavior to the context.
Conclusion
Learning the word videollamadas gives you a practical tool for modern communication in Spanish. It is a straightforward compound word meaning video calls, used widely for social, educational, and work situations. You learned the definition, related words like videoconferencia and reunión virtual, pronunciation tips including IPA and stress, and how native speakers use it both formally and casually. Practice the example sentences and repeat the pronunciation to make the word part of your active vocabulary. As you use videollamadas in conversations, you will become more comfortable joining online meetings, chatting with family, and describing digital communication in Spanish. Keep practicing and try to use the word in a real call this week to reinforce your learning.
