óculo
/ˈokulo/masculine
The English phrase "oculus" is translated into Spanish as óculo.
The word óculo refers to a circular window or opening. In Spanish, it is important to distinguish this architectural term from the biological eye, which is commonly called ojo.
Meaning: circular window or opening (noun)
Which one should you use?
While óculo refers specifically to a circular opening or window in architecture, it is not the common word used for the biological eye. For that, you should use ojo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of óculo is óculos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈokulo/
When do people say it?
Spanish includes several idioms related to the word ojo: Estar con el ojo avizor means to be watchful or vigilant, Echar un ojo a algo means to take a look at something and Ojo por ojo, diente por diente is the equivalent of the expression "an eye for an eye". Additionally, the diminutive ojito can be used affectionately to refer to the eye.
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the term ojal for a buttonhole, which shares the same root as ojo. This linguistic link shows how the concept of a 'circular opening' branched off into everyday clothing terminology.
- The words óculo and ojo are doublets, meaning they both originate from the same Latin word oculus. While óculo was borrowed directly in a scholarly way, ojo evolved naturally through centuries of spoken language.
- In Spanish architecture, an óculo is often used in the ceiling of a dome to let in light and air. This is a direct reflection of the ancient Roman Pantheon's design, which heavily influenced Spanish classical buildings.
Examples in context
- El ojo es una parte importante del cuerpo humanoThe eye is an important part of the human body
- El óculo de la cúpula es enorme.The oculus in the dome is huge.
- La luz entra por el pequeño óculo.Light enters through the small circular window.
- Dibujaron un óculo en el techo.They drew a circular opening in the ceiling.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are visiting an ancient building.
- MaríaDaniel, mira el óculo en la cúpula.Daniel, look at the oculus in the dome.
- DanielEs impresionante cómo entra la luz.It is impressive how the light comes in.
- MaríaEl diseño del óculo es muy preciso.The design of the oculus is very precise.
- DanielTienes razón, María, es una obra maestra.You are right, María, it is a masterpiece.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oculus” translations and entries óculo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries óculo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
