estrella fugaz
/esˌtɾeʝa fuˈɡaθ/
The English phrase 'shooting star' is translated into Spanish as estrella fugaz.
Meaning: meteor (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of estrella (star) and fugaz (fleeting/short-lived).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'shooting stars', use estrellas fugaces. In this plural form, both the noun and the adjective change to reflect the plurality.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˌtɾeʝa fuˈɡaθ/
Did you know?
- The adjective fugaz comes from the same Latin root as the English word 'fugitive', meaning both words describe something that is running away or fleeting.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, people may refer to a shower of shooting stars as lluvia de estrellas, which literally translates to 'rain of stars'.
- While estrella fugaz describes the object, Spanish speakers often use the verb pedir un deseo to 'make a wish' upon seeing one.
Examples in context
- ¡Mira! Una estrella fugaz.Look! There goes a shooting star.This sentence is useful for pointing out the presence of an estrella fugaz.Tatoeba #732829 by Shishir, translation #72144 by CM
- Una vez vi una estrella fugaz.I've seen a shooting star once.This sentence is useful for mentioning that you have seen an estrella fugaz in the past.Tatoeba #2170536 by marcelostockle, translation #7712684 by CK
- Acabo de ver una estrella fugaz.I just saw a shooting star.This sentence is useful for stating that you have just seen an estrella fugaz.Tatoeba #983094 by Shishir, translation #1583273 by marcelostockle
- En la observación astronómica anoche, pude apreciar una estrella fugaz realmente brillante.During last night's astronomical observation, I was able to witness a truly bright shooting star.
- ¡Mira, una estrella cadente! Pide un deseo rápido antes de que desaparezca.Look, a shooting star! Make a quick wish before it disappears.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are sitting outside looking at the night sky.
- Alejandro¿Viste esa estrella fugaz, Lucía?Did you see that shooting star, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, fue increíble.Yes, it was incredible.
- AlejandroPide un deseo ahora.Make a wish now.
- LucíaYa lo hice.I already did.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shooting star” translations and entries estrella fugaz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estrella, estrella fugaz, fugaz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
