luz ultravioleta
/luθ ultɾabjoleta/from spelling rules
In Spanish, UV light is luz ultravioleta.
This phrase refers to electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light.
Which one should you use?
While luz ultravioleta is the standard term, you may also encounter la radiación ultravioleta to refer to the same phenomenon. In more casual settings, people may use the term la luz negra.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term foco UV is commonly used as a shortened form of foco de luz ultravioleta.
How do you pronounce it?
/luθ ultɾabjoleta/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word luz shares a prehistoric root with the English word 'light'. Both descend from the Proto-Indo-European root *lewk-, which described the act of shining.
- When using luz negra to describe a blacklight, the word negra is counterintuitive because the light is actually a deep purple or violet.
Examples in context
- La luz ultravioleta puede dañar la piel.UV light can damage the skin.
- Necesitamos una lámpara de luz ultravioleta.We need a UV light lamp.
- El sol emite mucha luz ultravioleta.The sun emits a lot of UV light.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing sun safety at the beach.
- Mateo¿Sabes si hay mucha luz ultravioleta hoy?Do you know if there is a lot of UV light today?
- MaríaSí, Mateo, es muy fuerte en este momento.Yes, Mateo, it is very strong right now.
- MateoDeberíamos usar protector solar siempre.We should always use sunscreen.
- MaríaTienes razón, la luz ultravioleta es peligrosa.You are right, UV light is dangerous.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries luz, ultravioleta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
