brillo
/ˈbɾiʝo/masculine
Brightness in Spanish is brillo.
brillo is the standard term used for screen brightness settings in the context of digital devices and electronics. It also specifically refers to the 'shine' or 'luster' of a surface.
Meaning: the quality of being bright (noun)
Which one should you use?
While brillo can mean 'brightness' in the context of a screen or light intensity, it also specifically refers to the 'shine' or 'luster' of a surface. The word luminosidad is a more technical or formal synonym for 'brightness' when referring to the physical property of light intensity.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɾiʝo/
Did you know?
- The term brillo is the common word for 'lip gloss' in many Spanish-speaking countries, as the product is designed to add a wet-look luster to the lips.
- In Spanish, the phrase dar brillo can be used figuratively to mean giving someone recognition or making them look good in a social or professional setting.
- The verb brillar shares a historical lineage with the Latin word for 'beryl', a precious green gemstone.
Examples in context
- No me gusta la pantalla tan brillante, bájale el brillo.I don't like having the screen so bright, lower the brightness.This example shows how to use brillo when talking about adjusting the brightness of a screen.Tatoeba #10360133 by saverius, translation #13050099 by araneo
- El brillo del sol en el horizonte es maravillosoThe brightness of the sun on the horizon is marvelous
- La luminosidad de las estrellas es sorprendenteThe brightness of the stars is astonishing
- La intensidad lumínica de esta lámpara es ajustableThe brightness intensity of this lamp is adjustable
- La claridad de la luna llena es asombrosaThe brightness of the full moon is amazing
- El resplandor del sol al amanecer es magníficoThe brightness of the sun at sunrise is magnificent
- El brillo de las estrellas es impresionante.The brightness of the stars is impressive.
- Me gusta el brillo de este metal.I like the brightness of this metal.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are looking at a new piece of jewelry in a shop.
- JavierMira el brillo de este anillo, Sofía.Look at the brightness of this ring, Sofía.
- SofíaEs muy bonito, tiene un brillo especial.It is very pretty, it has a special brightness.
- Javier¿Crees que le quedaría bien a ella?Do you think it would look good on her?
- SofíaSí, a ella le encantará su brillo.Yes, she will love its brightness.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brightness” translations and entries brillo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brillo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
