iluminación
/iluminaˈθjon/
Enlightenment in Spanish is translated as iluminación.
The term iluminación is used to describe the act of enlightening or the state of being enlightened. It applies in both spiritual contexts, such as spiritual enlightenment and in historical contexts. For a related concept, you may use despertar espiritual to mean spiritual awakening.
Meaning: act of enlightening, state of being enlightened (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb iluminar (to illuminate) and the suffix -ción, which is equivalent to the English -tion.
How do you pronounce it?
/iluminaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- In a historical context, the Age of Enlightenment is called La Ilustración, which uses a different root than the spiritual iluminación.
- While iluminación describes a spiritual state, using it to describe a person as 'iluminado' can sometimes carry a sarcastic or derogatory undertone, implying they are delusional or a charlatan.
- While iluminación is the standard term for spiritual enlightenment, some Spanish-speaking Buddhist communities prefer the term bodhi borrowed directly from Sanskrit.
Examples in context
- Vesak es una festividad budista que conmemora el nacimiento, iluminación y muerte de Buda.Vesak is a Buddhist holiday which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.This sentence is useful for mentioning the birth, iluminación and death of Buddha.Tatoeba #1557012 by hayastan, translation #1548458 by Adelpa
- La iluminación es como la conciencia cotidiana, pero cinco centímetros por encima del suelo.Enlightenment is like everyday consciousness but two inches above the ground.This sentence uses iluminación to compare enlightenment to everyday consciousness.Tatoeba #3486049 by carlosalberto, translation #3486042 by carlosalberto
- La iluminación es el objetivo espiritual de muchas religiones orientales.Enlightenment is the spiritual goal of many Eastern religions.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a book on spirituality.
- Mateo¿Crees que este libro ayuda con la iluminación?Do you think this book helps with enlightenment?
- ElenaSí, Mateo, es un libro muy profundo.Yes, Mateo, it is a very profound book.
- MateoElena, quiero entender mejor ese estado.Elena, I want to understand that state better.
- ElenaLa iluminación requiere mucha paciencia.Enlightenment requires a lot of patience.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry iluminación, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
