resplandor
/resplanˈdoɾ/
The English word glare can be translated into Spanish in several ways depending on whether you mean a bright light or an angry look. For the default form, use resplandor.
The term resplandor refers to a bright, dazzling light or radiance, such as the glare from the sun. If you want to describe the action of staring at someone with anger, use the verb phrase mirar fulminantemente.
Meaning: angry or fierce stare (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, 'glare' can mean both a bright light and an angry expression. In Spanish, these are distinct. Use resplandor exclusively for the light-based meaning. For an angry expression or stare, use mirada fulminante.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase mirada amenazadora is used to mean a threatening look.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/resplanˈdoɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use resplandor to mean an angry stare. In Spanish, this word is reserved for bright light or radiance.
Did you know?
- The verb fulminar can literally mean 'to kill instantly' or 'to destroy', which explains why a mirada fulminante feels so aggressive.
- An angry look can also be called mirada gélida, which literally means a 'frozen look'. This describes a glare that is cold and distant rather than fiery.
- The term resplandor is often used in religious texts to describe the 'glory' or 'aura' around a saint, moving the meaning from a simple glare to a divine light.
Examples in context
- Hoy está muy fuerte el resplandor del sol.The sun's glare is strong today.This sentence shows how to use resplandor when referring to the sun.Tatoeba #2254589 by cueyayotl, translation #2254588 by _undertoad
- El profesor me lanzó una mirada penetranteThe teacher gave me a penetrating gaze
- El jefe me lanzó una mirada fija que me intimidóThe boss gave me a fixed stare that intimidated me
- Mi amigo me miró con mala cara cuando rompí su vasoMy friend gave me a disapproving glare when I broke his glass
- Mi compañero de clase me lanzó una mirada de reojo cuando le dije el resultado del examenMy classmate gave me a sideways glare when I told him the test result
- El vigilante me lanzó una mirada amenazadora cuando intenté entrar sin identificaciónThe security guard gave me a threatening look when I tried to enter without identification
- Mi novio me lanzó una mirada fulgurante cuando me vio hablando con alguien másMy boyfriend gave me a sudden intense glare when he saw me talking to someone else
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are arguing in the kitchen.
- LucíaDeja de mirarme así, Daniel.Stop looking at me like that, Daniel.
- DanielNo estoy haciendo nada.I'm not doing anything.
- LucíaTu resplandor me asusta.Your glare scares me.
- DanielSolo estoy muy molesto.I'm just very upset.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry resplandor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
