iluminar
/ilumiˈnaɾ/
The English verb 'illuminate' is translated into Spanish as iluminar.
The verb iluminar is used both literally, such as to light up a room and figuratively, such as to clarify a concept or enlighten a person.
Meaning: to shine light on something (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word alumbrar may be more commonly used than iluminar in some regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of this verb is iluminación, which means illumination or lighting. Additionally, the past participle iluminado can be used as an adjective to describe something that has been lit up.
How do you pronounce it?
/ilumiˈnaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word iluminado can describe a person who is enlightened, but it can also carry a slightly negative connotation. It is often used to describe someone who is perceived as being 'delusional' or acting as if they have a divine revelation.
- The Spanish verbs iluminar and alumbrar are actually linguistic siblings, or doublets, sharing the same ancient root. While they feel different, they both stem from the same Proto-Indo-European source meaning 'light'.
- In religious contexts, iluminación refers to the 'illumination' of a soul, but in a secular sense, dar luz is often used as a common idiom to mean providing a solution or a hint to a problem.
Examples in context
- El sol es la antorcha, la lámpara del universo, si se halla en la región central es porque ésta es la mejor ubicación para iluminar los planetas.The sun is the torch, the lamp of the universe, if it is situated in the central region it's because this is the best place to illuminate the planets.This sentence shows how the sun is positioned to illuminate the planets using iluminar.Tatoeba #1128959 by marcelostockle, translation #1129380 by marcelostockle
- Los genios son meteoros destinados a quemarse para iluminar su siglo.Men of genius are meteors destined to burn in order to illuminate their century.This sentence uses iluminar to describe how geniuses illuminate their century.Tatoeba #1199282 by cariito, translation #391771 by Scott
- "La arte tiene el poder de transformar, iluminar, educar, inspirar y motivar."Art has the power to transform, illuminate, educate, inspire, and motivate.This sentence uses iluminar to describe the power of art to illuminate.Tatoeba #12977471 by mexicanhere, translation #12977590 by mexicanhere
- Enciende las luces para iluminar la habitación.Turn on the lights to illuminate the room.
- La luna ilumina el paisaje nocturno.The moon illuminates the nighttime scenery.
- El farol alumbraba el camino oscuro.The lantern illuminated the dark path.
- La vela alumbró la sala durante el apagón.The candle illuminated the room during the blackout.
- Las velas hacen brillar la sala durante la cena romántica.The candles illuminate the room during the romantic dinner.
- Los destellos de luz hacen brillar los ojos de la modelo.The glimmers of light illuminate the model's eyes.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are setting up a garden party.
- LucíaNecesitamos más luces para iluminar el jardín.We need more lights to illuminate the garden.
- JavierYo puedo iluminar la mesa principal con esta lámpara.I can illuminate the main table with this lamp.
- LucíaGracias, Javier, eso ayudará mucho.Thanks, Javier, that will help a lot.
- JavierDe nada, Lucía, quiero que todo se vea bien.You're welcome, Lucía, I want everything to look good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “illuminate” translations and entries iluminar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries iluminar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
