brilla en la oscuridad
/bɾiʝa en la oskuɾidad/from spelling rules
The English phrase "glow in the dark" can be translated into Spanish as brilla en la oscuridad.
This phrase is used to describe an object that produces light when it is in a dark place. While brilla en la oscuridad is a descriptive phrase, you can also use the adjective fluorescente as a more concise way to describe objects that glow in the dark.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase brilla en la oscuridad literally translates to "it shines in the darkness".
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are describing multiple objects, you must change the verb from brilla to brillan to form brillan en la oscuridad, which means "they shine in the dark".
How do you pronounce it?
/bɾiʝa en la oskuɾidad/
Did you know?
- Depending on the country, a 'glow stick' is rarely called a 'stick that shines' and is instead often called a barra luminosa or varita luminosa.
- While brilla en la oscuridad describes the effect, Spanish speakers often use the word fosforescente for objects that store light and release it slowly, whereas fluorescente is used for materials that glow under UV light.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word brillo can refer not only to light but also to the 'gloss' or 'sheen' of a surface, like a polished floor or lip gloss.
Examples in context
- El material especial de esta pintura resplandece en la oscuridad.The special material of this paint glows in the dark.
- ¡Mira estos stickers que brillan en la oscuridad!Look at these stickers that glow in the dark!
- Estas camisetas tienen un efecto luminoso increíble.These t-shirts have an amazing glow-in-the-dark effect.
- Estos juguetes resplandecen en la penumbra de las noches andinas.These toys glow in the darkness of the Andean nights.
- Este juguete brilla en la oscuridad.This toy glows in the dark.
- La pintura que brilla en la oscuridad es genial.The paint that glows in the dark is great.
- Mira, la estrella brilla en la oscuridad.Look, the star glows in the dark.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are in a dark room looking at a new bedroom decoration.
- Daniel¿Ves ese adorno?Do you see that decoration?
- SofíaSí, es muy bonito.Yes, it is very pretty.
- DanielEs especial porque brilla en la oscuridad.It is special because it glows in the dark.
- Sofía¡Qué increíble es, Daniel!How incredible it is, Daniel!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
