lentes
/ˈlentes/
The English phrase lenses is translated into Spanish as lentes.
lentes refers to pieces of curved glass or plastic used in cameras or eyeglasses to focus light. In many Spanish-speaking regions, people also use lentes colloquially to refer to an entire pair of eyeglasses rather than just the individual lenses.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional preferences vary significantly. In Spain, las lentes is the common term for eyeglass lenses and las gafas is frequently used to refer to eyeglasses as a whole. In Mexico, los cristales is widely used to refer to eyeglass lenses and los lentes can also be used specifically for contact lenses.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word lentes is the plural form, while lente is the singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlentes/
Did you know?
- The word lente comes from the Latin word for 'lentil'. This is because early convex lenses looked like the small, flat legumes.
- While lentes is common, some regions use anteojos, which literally means 'before the eyes'.
- In many Latin American countries, if you ask for lentes, you might receive a pair of sunglasses instead of prescription glasses. This is because the term can encompass any type of tinted or protective lens.
Examples in context
- Uso lentes de contacto.I wear contact lenses.This sentence is useful for talking about wearing lentes.Tatoeba #1579858 by marcelostockle, translation #253826 by CK
- ¿Puedo comprar solo las lentes?Can I buy only the lenses?This sentence is useful for asking about purchasing lentes.Tatoeba #1702618 by marcelostockle, translation #29483 by CK
- ¿Por qué no usas lentes de contacto?How about wearing contact lenses?This sentence is useful for suggesting the use of lentes.Tatoeba #1543413 by marcelostockle, translation #328826 by fcbond
- Mis cristales de las gafas están rayados.My eyeglass lenses are scratched.
- Debo reemplazar mis lentes de contacto.I need to replace my contact lenses.
- ¿Dónde puse mis gafas? No veo nada sin ellas.Where did I put my glasses? I can't see anything without them.
- La óptica tiene una amplia gama de lentes para elegir.The optician has a wide range of lenses to choose from.
- Es importante proteger sus ojos usando las lentes adecuadas cuando esté soldando.It is important to protect your eyes by using the appropriate lenses when welding.
- En la telenovela, el personaje siempre lleva sus gafas de sol.In the soap opera, the character always wears their sunglasses.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is cleaning his camera equipment at home.
- Lucía¿Estás limpiando las lentes de la cámara?Are you cleaning the camera lenses?
- DanielSí, las lentes tienen mucho polvo.Yes, the lenses are very dusty.
- LucíaTen cuidado con las lentes nuevas.Be careful with the new lenses.
- DanielNo te preocupes, soy muy cuidadoso.Don't worry, I am very careful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lentes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
