fósforos
/fosfoɾos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "matches" is translated into Spanish as fósforos.
fósforos refers to small wooden sticks used to start a fire by rubbing them against a rough surface.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word cerillas is more commonly used than fósforos to refer to matches.
How does it change in a sentence?
fósforos is a masculine noun. When referring to a single match, use the singular form un fósforo.
How do you pronounce it?
/fosfoɾos/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, fósforo can be used colloquially to describe someone who is very irritable or 'explosive' in personality.
- The word fósforo shares its root with the English word 'phosphorus', which comes from the Greek words for 'light-bringer'.
- Because fósforo is also the name of the chemical element phosphorus, asking for them in a pharmacy could lead to a misunderstanding regarding whether you want a fire-starter or a supplement.
Examples in context
- No juegues con fósforos.Don't play with matches.This sentence is useful for giving a warning about playing with fósforos.Tatoeba #2271132 by hayastan, translation #2270517 by CK
- ¿De casualidad tienes fósforos?Do you happen to have matches?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has fósforos.Tatoeba #3138174 by marcelostockle, translation #2196362 by freddy1
- Ben aprendió a hacer fuego sin usar fósforos.Ben learned to make a fire without matches.This sentence is useful for describing how someone made a fire without using fósforos.Tatoeba #3182467 by marcelostockle, translation #33798 by CN
- Por favor, ¿me podría pasar las cerillas?Could you please pass me the matches?
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar fósforos de calidad?Where can I buy quality matches?
- Pásame los cerillos para encender la fogata.Pass me the matches to light the campfire.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are trying to light a candle for dinner.
- ElenaNo encuentro los fósforos por ninguna parte.I can't find the matches anywhere.
- JavierCreo que están en el cajón de la cocina.I think they are in the kitchen drawer.
- ElenaTienes razón, aquí están los fósforos.You're right, here are the matches.
- JavierPerfecto, ahora puedes encender la vela.Perfect, now you can light the candle.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
