gafas de sol
/ˌɡafas de ˈsol/feminine, plural
The English phrase 'sunglasses' is translated into Spanish as gafas de sol.
Gafas de sol is a common and universally accepted translation for sunglasses. It refers to tinted glasses worn to protect the eyes from the sun.
Meaning: tinted glasses worn to protect the eyes from the sun (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of gafas (glasses) and de sol (of sun).
Which one should you use?
While gafas refers to glasses in general, the addition of de sol specifies they are for sun protection.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Lentes de sol is more commonly used in many parts of Latin America. In Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Central America, Anteojos de sol is particularly common.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form gafas de sol is feminine and plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌɡafas de ˈsol/
Did you know?
- Some believe gafas is named after Muhammad ibn Aslam Al-Ghafiqi, a 12th century Arab scholar and ophthalmologist from Andalusia.
- The word gafas has been linked by some to the German word 'gaffen', which means 'to stare'.
- If you are in Peru, the word 'sol' refers not only to the sun but also to the national currency.
Examples in context
- Él lleva gafas de sol.He is wearing sunglasses.Tatoeba #1307010 by Shishir, translation #296444 by CK
- Ella lleva gafas de sol.She's wearing sunglasses.Tatoeba #543210 by Shishir, translation #510848 by wma
- Yo llevaba gafas de sol.I was wearing sunglasses.Tatoeba #7960160 by pchamorro, translation #5916331 by CK
- Me encantan mis gafas de sol nuevasI love my new sunglasses
- Los anteojos de sol protegen tus ojos de los rayos ultravioletaSunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays
- Necesito comprar lentes de sol para el veranoI need to buy sunglasses for the summer
- Mis espejuelos nuevos son ideales para el solMy new sunglasses are perfect for the sun
- Compré unas gafas de sol nuevasI bought new sunglasses
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are walking on a bright beach.
- Lucía¿Dónde están mis gafas de sol?Where are my sunglasses?
- JavierEstán sobre la mesa, Lucía.They are on the table, Lucía.
- LucíaGracias, las necesito por el brillo.Thanks, I need them because of the glare.
- JavierDe nada, toma estas también.You're welcome, take these too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sunglasses” translations and entries gafas de sol, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, gafas, sol, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
