lentes
Mexico, everyday
In Mexico glasses are called lentes. The word is always plural in this meaning: mis lentes, unos lentes. Sunglasses are lentes de sol or lentes oscuros. It is also called anteojos.
Meaning: eyewear for seeing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| lentes | Mexico, everyday |
| lentes de sol | Mexico, sunglasses |
| anteojos | other regions |
Se me olvidaron los lentes means "I forgot my glasses". At the optician you ask for lentes con receta for prescription glasses.
Which one should you use?
In Spain people say gafas and in Argentina and some other countries anteojos. These are understood in Mexico but lentes is the common word.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Lentes de contacto means contact lenses, so lentes can also mean lenses depending on the context.
Did you know?
- In Mexico a pair of glasses is described in the plural, so people say unos lentes even though they are one object.
Examples in context
- No encuentro mis lentes.I cannot find my glasses.
- Necesito lentes nuevos.I need new glasses.
- Se puso los lentes de sol.He put on his sunglasses.
Example conversation
Sergio looks for his glasses with his daughter Lucía at home in León.
- SergioLucía, ¿has visto mis lentes?Lucía, have you seen my glasses?
- LucíaEstán en tu camisa, papá.They are on your shirt, Dad.
- SergioAy, qué distraído soy.Oh, how absent-minded I am.
