bengalas
/benɡalas/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for sparklers is bengalas.
The term refers to handheld fireworks that emit sparks when lit.
Which one should you use?
While bengalas is the standard term, you may also encounter the diminutive bengalitas, which is a playful and colloquial way to refer to sparklers.
How do you pronounce it?
/benɡalas/
Did you know?
- The word bengala shares the same root as the English word 'Bengal', referring to the region in India and Bangladesh where these types of pyrotechnics were historically developed.
- In Spanish, the same word bengalas is used for both festive sparklers and emergency signal flares used by ships or cars.
- Football fans in Spain use bengalas to create massive walls of fire in stadiums, though the practice is often illegal.
Examples in context
- ¡Vamos a encender los fuegos artificiales en la fiesta de año nuevo! Incluso compré algunas chispitas y bengalitas.Let's light up the fireworks at the New Year's party! I even bought some sparklers and Bengal lights.
- Las bengalas son divertidas para las fiestas.Sparklers are fun for parties.
- Compré unas bengalas para la fiesta.I bought some sparklers for the party.
- Ten cuidado al encender las bengalas.Be careful when lighting the sparklers.
- A los niños les encantan las bengalas.Children love sparklers.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are preparing for New Year's Eve.
- Elena¿Tienes bengalas para esta noche?Do you have sparklers for tonight?
- DanielSí, tengo una caja entera.Yes, I have a whole box.
- ElenaPerfecto, me encantan las bengalas.Perfect, I love sparklers.
- DanielA mí también, Daniel.I do too, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
