Sol
/ˈsol/
The English word sun is expressed in Spanish as Sol.
Sol refers to the star at the center of the solar system that provides light and heat to Earth. In Spanish, the phrase El sol is the most common way to say 'the sun'. Note that sol is also a homonym used to refer to the musical note G.
Which one should you use?
While sol can refer to the musical note G, it refers to the Sun when it is used with an article or capitalized. For example, the phrase El sol de justicia translates to 'the sun of justice' and is mostly used in religious contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the Sun as a specific astronomical body, it is used with the masculine definite article el, as in el Sol.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsol/
Did you know?
- The national currency of Peru is called the sol. While the name evokes the 'sun', it actually derives from the Latin word solidus, which referred to a gold coin.
- If you call someone un sol in certain Spanish-speaking regions, you are not talking about the weather. Instead, you are colloquially describing them as an exceptionally kind or sweet person.
- While sol means 'sun', the Spanish word for 'sunlight' is luz solar. This distinguishes the physical star from the energy it emits.
Examples in context
- En mi lengua las notas musicales son do, re, mi, fa, sol, la y si.In my language, the notes of the scale are do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, do.This sentence shows how Sol is used to name the musical note G in a scale.Tatoeba #1233133 by marcelostockle, translation #1445904 by human600
- Hoy el sol está muy fuerte en la playa.Today the sun is very strong at the beach.
- ¡Mira ese solecito tan radiante!Look at that radiant little sun!
- El astro rey brinda calor y luz a nuestro planeta.The king of stars provides warmth and light to our planet.
- El Sol brilla con mucha fuerza hoy.The Sun is shining very brightly today.
- La Tierra gira alrededor del Sol.The Earth revolves around the Sun.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are looking at the sky.
- Lucía¡Mira el Sol, Daniel!Look at the Sun, Daniel!
- DanielEstá muy brillante hoy.It is very bright today.
- LucíaNo mires el Sol directamente.Do not look at the Sun directly.
- DanielTienes razón, Lucía.You are right, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Sol, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sol, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
