velas
/belas/from spelling rules
The Spanish word velas means candles.
velas refers to wax cylinders with a wick that are burned to provide light. Depending on the context, it can also mean the sails of a boat.
Which one should you use?
While velas typically refers to candles, in a nautical context it can also mean 'sails'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Caribbean countries, the word velones is used to describe larger or thicker candles.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the noun is vela.
How do you pronounce it?
/belas/
Did you know?
- While 'candle' in English comes from the Latin 'candela' meaning 'glow', vela comes from the Latin 'vigilia', which refers to 'wakefulness' or 'vigil'.
- The expression quedarse en vela does not involve actual candles but means to stay awake all night, often due to anxiety or insomnia.
- While 'vela' describes the object, the action 'velar' can also mean to protect or to watch over, much like a night watchman.
Examples in context
- Vamos a encender los cirios para la ceremonia.Let's light the candles for the ceremony.
- Necesito comprar veladoras para el altar.I need to buy candles for the altar.
- Encendamos los velones en honor a nuestros seres queridos.Let's light the big candles in honor of our loved ones.
- Necesito comprar unas velas para la cena.I need to buy some candles for the dinner.
- Las velas blancas se ven muy bonitas.The white candles look very pretty.
- Apaga las velas antes de dormir.Blow out the candles before sleeping.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are preparing for a romantic dinner at home.
- Alejandro¿Dónde están las velas, Lucía?Where are the candles, Lucía?
- LucíaEstán en la cocina, Alejandro.They are in the kitchen, Alejandro.
- AlejandroPerfecto, las usaré para la mesa.Perfect, I will use them for the table.
- LucíaYo las encenderé en un momento.I will light them in a moment.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
