fantasma
/fanˈtasma/masculine
The Spanish word for phantom is fantasma.
fantasma refers to something that has no physical reality. In Spanish, it is used for both literal ghosts and for metaphorical phantoms or illusions.
Meaning: something having no physical reality (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of fantasma is fantasmas.
How do you pronounce it?
/fanˈtasma/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using fantasma to mean 'fantasy'. The correct word for fantasy is fantasía. fantasma specifically refers to a specter or a non-existent entity.
Did you know?
- The word fantasma is grammatically masculine, even though it ends in 'a', which usually indicates a feminine word in Spanish.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone a fantasma is a common slang way to call them a 'show-off' or a 'phony' who pretends to have more than they actually do.
- The Greek root of fantasma is related to 'light' or 'to shine', creating a curious paradox where a ghost is described by a word meaning 'to bring to light'.
Examples in context
- El fantasma de la ópera.The Phantom of the Opera.
- El Fantasma lentamente, con gravedad, en silencio, se acercó.The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently, approached.Tatoeba #3715589 by carlosalberto, translation #3714115 by Hybrid
- La primera revuelta está en contra de la tiranía suprema de la teología, del fantasma de Dios. Mientras tengamos un maestro en el cielo, seremos esclavos en la tierra.The first revolt is against the supreme tyranny of theology, of the phantom of God. As long as we have a master in heaven, we will be slaves on earth.Tatoeba #3539726 by carlosalberto, translation #3539681 by carlosalberto
- En la antigua mansión, se decía que había un fantasma que asustaba a los visitantes.In the old mansion, it was said that there was a phantom that scared visitors.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a scary old house.
- SofíaEsta casa parece que tiene un fantasma.This house looks like it has a ghost.
- AlejandroNo creo que exista ningún fantasma aquí.I don't think any ghost exists here.
- SofíaPero escuché un ruido extraño, Alejandro.But I heard a strange noise, Alejandro.
- AlejandroSolo fue el viento, Sofía.It was just the wind, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “phantom” translations and entries fantasma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fantasma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
