luz verde
/ˌluθ ˈbeɾde/feminine
The English phrase "green light" can be translated into Spanish as luz verde. Wiktionary also lists visto bueno and aprobación.
Meaning: permission (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| luz verde | /ˌluθ ˈbeɾde/ /ˌlus ˈbeɾde/ |
feminine |
| visto bueno | /ˌbisto ˈbweno/ | masculine |
| aprobación | /apɾobaˈθjon/ /apɾobaˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| venia | /ˈbenja/ | feminine |
| permiso | /peɾˈmiso/ | masculine |
| beneplácito | /beneˈplaθito/ /beneˈplasito/ |
masculine |
In Spanish, luz verde is used metaphorically to mean permission, just as it is in English. For a professional or workplace setting, specifically when saying someone has "given the green light" to a project or an idea, it is standard to use the phrase dar el visto bueno.
What does it mean word for word?
Luz verde is a literal translation.
Which one should you use?
Other terms for permission include aprobación, venia, permiso and beneplácito.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of giving permission, you can use the verb dar (to give) with luz verde, forming the phrase dar luz verde.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌluθ ˈbeɾde/
Did you know?
- The phrase visto bueno literally means 'good seen'. In professional documents, this is often abbreviated as VºBº to indicate a project has been approved.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, seeking the venia of an elder or authority figure is not just about permission but is a traditional sign of respect and deference.
- The word venia is a direct relative of the English word 'venial', which refers to a minor or pardonable offense.
Examples in context
- La pantalla solo emite luz verde.The screen is giving off green light.This sentence uses the literal meaning of luz verde.Tatoeba #5995330 by albrusgher, translation #3962669 by JSakuragi
- Estamos esperando a que Mary nos dé luz verde para poder empezar.We're waiting for Mary to give us the green light so we can get started.This sentence uses luz verde to express the metaphorical meaning of giving permission.Tatoeba #7979838 by Seael, translation #10473006 by DJ_Saidez
- No tenemos la luz verde para invertir todavía.We don't have the green light to invest yet.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a new project at work.
- Lucía¿Ya nos dieron la luz verde para el proyecto?Did they give us the green light for the project yet?
- AlejandroNo, Lucía, todavía estamos esperando la respuesta.No, Lucía, we are still waiting for the answer.
- LucíaEspero que Alejandro reciba noticias pronto.I hope Alejandro receives news soon.
- AlejandroYo también, para poder empezar mañana mismo.Me too, so we can start first thing tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “green light” translations and entries luz verde, visto bueno, aprobación, venia, permiso, beneplácito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aprobación, bueno, luz, venia, verde, visto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
