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antorcha

an-TOR-chah/anˈtoɾt͡ʃa/

torch

Also: flambeau
NounfA2
General
A wooden torch with a bright orange and yellow flame at the top.

📝 In Action

El explorador encendió una antorcha para entrar en la cueva.

A2

The explorer lit a torch to enter the cave.

Las paredes del castillo estaban iluminadas por antorchas.

B1

The castle walls were lit by torches.

Llevaban la antorcha en lo alto durante la procesión.

B1

They held the torch high during the procession.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tea (resinous torch)
  • hacha (large wax torch)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • encender una antorcha – to light a torch
  • antorcha olímpica – Olympic torch
  • portador de la antorcha – torch-bearer

Idioms & Expressions

  • pasar la antorcha – to pass on a responsibility or tradition to someone else

guiding light

Also: beacon
NounfB2formal
A glowing lighthouse on a small island guiding a small boat through gentle waves.

📝 In Action

La educación es la antorcha que ilumina el camino del futuro.

B2

Education is the torch that lights the path to the future.

Ella fue la antorcha de la rebelión contra la injusticia.

C1

She was the torch of the rebellion against injustice.

Ese científico es una antorcha de conocimiento en su campo.

C1

That scientist is a beacon of knowledge in his field.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • guía (guide)
  • lumbrera (bright person/star)

Common Collocations

  • antorcha del saber – torch of knowledge
  • antorcha de la libertad – torch of liberty

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "antorcha" in Spanish:

beacon→flambeau→guiding light→torch→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: antorcha

Question 1 of 3

What is the correct way to say 'the torches' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
antorchero(torch-bearer) — Noun
entorchar(to twist (as in a wick or cord)) — Verb
torcer(to twist) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
antorchasorcha
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'torca' which means 'twisted thing.' This is because ancient torches were made by twisting fibers or wood together with flammable resin.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: torcheItalian: torciaPortuguese: tocha

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'antorcha' the same as a flashlight?

No. In Spanish, 'antorcha' specifically means a torch with fire. For a battery-powered flashlight, you should use the word 'linterna'.

How do you say 'Olympic Torch'?

You say 'la antorcha olímpica'. Remember to keep 'olímpica' feminine to match the noun.

Is 'antorcha' used for candles?

No, a candle is a 'vela'. An 'antorcha' is much larger and usually made of wood or a metal holder for fire.