iluminación
/iluminaˈθjon/feminine
The English word "lighting" can be translated into Spanish as iluminación or alumbrado.
Meaning: equipment, illumination (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| iluminación | /iluminaˈθjon/ /iluminaˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| alumbrado | /alumˈbɾado/ | masculine |
The word iluminación refers to the general concept of light, technical lighting design or the quality of light in a setting. The word alumbrado refers specifically to public or street lighting systems.
Which one should you use?
Use iluminación for the general concept of light or technical lighting design, while alumbrado is used specifically when referring to public or street lighting systems.
How does it change in a sentence?
alumbrado is a masculine noun, whereas iluminación is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/iluminaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The verb alumbrar can also mean 'to give birth' in certain Spanish-speaking regions and historical contexts.
- The word alumbrado is also the name of a 18th-century religious movement in Spain involving people who claimed to be inspired by divine light.
- The word iluminación also refers to the art of decorating medieval manuscripts with gold, silver and brilliant colors.
Examples in context
- Hay muy poco alumbrado en esta parte de la ciudad.The lighting is poor in this part of the city.This sentence is useful for describing the quality of alumbrado in a specific area.Tatoeba #2259336 by cueyayotl, translation #2259335 by _undertoad
- Se dice que la diferencia entre el arte y la pornografía consiste solo en la iluminación.They say that the difference between art and pornography is all about the lighting.This sentence is useful for discussing the concept of iluminación.Tatoeba #2261097 by marcelostockle, translation #896945 by pauldhunt
- La iluminación en esta sala es muy tenue.The lighting in this room is very dim.
- El espectáculo cuenta con una excelente disposición de luces.The show has an excellent lighting arrangement.
- El alumbrado público en esta ciudad es muy eficiente.The public lighting in this city is very efficient.
- ¿Puedes encender las luces de la sala, por favor?Can you turn on the lights in the living room, please?
- La iluminación de la sala es muy cálida.The lighting in the room is very warm.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing the design of a new office.
- DanielElena, ¿qué piensas de la iluminación de la oficina?Elena, what do you think of the office lighting?
- ElenaCreo que necesitamos más luz natural, Daniel.I think we need more natural light, Daniel.
- DanielTienes razón, la iluminación actual es demasiado fría.You're right, the current lighting is too cold.
- ElenaPodemos poner unas lámparas más cálidas aquí.We can put some warmer lamps here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lighting” translations and entries iluminación, alumbrado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
