Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fantasma | /fanˈtasma/ | masculine |
| espectro | /esˈpeɡtɾo/ | masculine |
| espíritu | /esˈpiɾitu/ | masculine |
| aparecido | /apaɾeˈθido/ /apaɾeˈsido/ |
masculine |
| aparición | /apaɾiˈθjon/ /apaɾiˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| sombra | /ˈsombɾa/ | feminine |
| el alma | /el alma/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| pora | /ˈpoɾa/ | feminine |
The term 'ghost' refers to a spirit appearing after death. Depending on the context, you may use different words: fantasma for a visible ghost, espíritu for a soul or essence or espectro which can mean a ghost or a scientific 'spectrum'. Modern slang also uses the verb ghostear to describe the act of suddenly cutting off all communication with someone on social media or in a relationship.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what aspect of a ghost you are describing. Use fantasma for a visible apparition. Use espíritu when referring to an incorporeal soul or the essence of a person. If you are describing the act or event of a ghost appearing, use the feminine noun aparición (apparition). While espectro can mean a ghost, it is also the standard scientific term for a 'spectrum', such as the light spectrum.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The verb ghostear is considered slang and is an anglicism used specifically in modern dating and social media contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Andalusia, Spain, the term aparecido is used to refer to a ghost. In certain Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, people may use the phrase alma en pena (soul in pain) to describe a ghost.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun fantasma is masculine, while aparición and sombra are feminine. The term el alma is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/fanˈtasma/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, calling someone a fantasma can be an insult meaning they are a boastful person or a liar who pretends to be more important than they are.
- While alma is a feminine noun, it uses the masculine article el in the singular form el alma because it starts with a stressed 'a' sound.
- The word fantasma shares the same Greek root as the English word 'phantom', both originating from a word meaning 'to make visible'.
Examples in context
- Creí ver un fantasma.I thought I saw a ghost.This sentence shows how to express the idea of thinking you saw a ghost using fantasma.Tatoeba #7951173 by Seael, translation #1961261 by CK
- Tom vio a un fantasma.Tom saw a ghost.This sentence demonstrates a simple way to say someone saw a ghost using fantasma.Tatoeba #1526237 by marcelostockle, translation #1488471 by Spamster
- Un fantasma me está mirando.A ghost is looking at me.This sentence is useful for describing a ghost currently looking at you using fantasma.Tatoeba #1713722 by marcelostockle, translation #1713752 by marcelostockle
- La leyenda cuenta la historia de un famoso fantasma.The legend tells the story of a famous ghost.
- La presencia de un fantasma puede generar temor en las personas.The presence of a ghost can generate fear in people.
- Ayer sentí el espíritu de mi abuelo cerca de mí.Yesterday I felt my grandfather's spirit close to me.
- Muchos creen que el espíritu de la antigua reina aún vaga por el palacio.Many believe that the spirit of the ancient queen still wanders through the palace.
- Dicen que la casa abandonada está habitada por almas en pena.They say the abandoned house is inhabited by lost souls.
- Según la leyenda, aquel bosque está lleno de almas en pena.According to the legend, that forest is full of tormented souls.
- Desde que se mudaron a esa casa antigua, han tenido encuentros con extraños entes.Ever since they moved into that old house, they have had encounters with strange entities.
- El pueblo está lleno de antiguas historias de aparecidos que vagan en la noche.The town is full of ancient stories of apparitions that wander at night.
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are visiting an old house.
- MateoEsta casa tiene un fantasma.This house has a ghost.
- LucíaNo creo en los fantasmas, Mateo.I don't believe in ghosts, Mateo.
- MateoPero yo escuché un ruido.But I heard a noise.
- LucíaSolo es el viento, Lucía dice.It's just the wind, Lucía says.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries fantasma, espectro, espíritu, aparecido, aparición, sombra, pora, 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 espectro, espíritu, fantasma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
