Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vela | /ˈbela/ | feminine |
| candela | /kanˈdela/ | feminine |
| cirio | /ˈθiɾjo/ /ˈsiɾjo/ |
masculine |
| espelma | /espelma/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America, feminine |
| veladora (Mesoamerica) | feminine | |
| blandón | /blanˈdon/ | masculine |
| cerilla | /θeˈɾiʝa/ | feminine |
| hachote | /at͡ʃote/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| velón | /beˈlon/ | masculine |
If you are looking for the word for the flame itself, use llama and if you need the word for a candle holder, use candelabro.
Which one should you use?
While vela is the standard term for a regular candle, velón refers to a large candle or a pillar candle. The word cirio specifically refers to a large, thick candle often used in religious ceremonies or processions. Do not confuse cerilla with a candle, as it actually means a matchstick.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, velón is used to describe a bigger-sized candle. In Mesoamerica, the word veladora is commonly used for small votive candles or tea lights used for prayer or decoration. The form espelma is used in Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word vela and candela are feminine nouns, while cirio, blandón, hachote and velón are masculine nouns. The word espelma and veladora are feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbela/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to use cerilla when you mean a candle. cerilla means a matchstick.
Did you know?
- The word vela is a homonym with several meanings, describing not only a candle but also a ship's sail and the soft palate at the back of the throat.
- The Spanish word vela is a linguistic relative of the English word 'veil'. Both words trace their ancestry back to the Latin word vēlum, which refers to a covering or sail.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in parts of the Caribbean, the word candela is used as a metaphor for 'fire' or 'trouble' in a slang sense, such as saying someone is 'en candela'.
Examples in context
- Él sopló la vela.He blew out the candle.This sentence shows the action of blowing out the vela.Tatoeba #2505888 by marcelostockle, translation #293360 by CK
- La vela se apagó sola.The candle went out by itself.This sentence describes the vela going out by itself.Tatoeba #735996 by Shishir, translation #29466 by human600
- Esa vela no es blanca.That candle isn't white.This sentence describes the color of the vela.Tatoeba #2908796 by teskmon, translation #2734025 by CK
- La vela está encendida.The candle is lit.
- Me gustaría comprar una vela aromática.I would like to buy a scented candle.
- Voy a encender una vela. ¿Quieres que prenda la candela en el centro de la habitación?I'm going to light a candle. Do you want me to light the candle in the center of the room?
- ¿Sabes dónde puedo conseguir cirios para la ceremonia?Do you know where I can get candles for the ceremony?
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are preparing for a romantic dinner.
- DanielSofía, ¿tienes una vela para la mesa?Sofía, do you have a candle for the table?
- SofíaSí, hay una vela en la cocina.Yes, there is a candle in the kitchen.
- DanielPerfecto, voy a encenderla ahora.Perfect, I am going to light it now.
- SofíaTen cuidado con la vela, Daniel.Be careful with the candle, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “candle” translations and entries vela, candela, cirio, blandón, cerilla, velón, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries candela, cirio, vela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
