brilla
/bree-yah/
shines
Brilla means 'it shines.' Here, a star shines brightly in the night sky.
brilla(Verb)
shines
?as in, 'it shines'
,sparkles
?as in, 'it sparkles'
it is glowing
?physical light emission
,you shine (formal)
?Usted form
📝 In Action
El sol brilla muy fuerte hoy.
A1The sun shines very brightly today.
¿Ves esa estrella? Brilla más que todas.
A2Do you see that star? It shines more than all the others.
El anillo de oro brilla en su mano.
A1The gold ring sparkles on her hand.
💡 Grammar Points
Verb Form Identification
"Brilla" is the present tense form used for 'he, she, it' (él, ella) or the formal 'you' (usted). It describes an action happening right now.
Imperative Tú Form
Interestingly, 'brilla' is also the simple command form for 'you' (tú): '¡Brilla!' means 'Shine!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Pronoun Reference
Mistake: "Using 'yo brilla' when meaning 'I shine.'"
Correction: The form for 'I' is 'brillo.' Remember, 'brilla' is reserved for 'he, she, it, or formal you.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Objects that Shine
Use 'brilla' primarily for things that generate light (sun, stars) or reflect it (metals, diamonds, polished surfaces).
Brilla can also mean 'it excels' or performs exceptionally well, like winning a championship trophy.
brilla(Verb)
excels
?performs exceptionally well
,stands out
?is noticeably better
is brilliant
?metaphorical talent
📝 In Action
En el debate, ella brilla por su elocuencia.
B1In the debate, she excels due to her eloquence.
Este joven brilla en todas las materias de ciencias.
B2This young man stands out in all the science subjects.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used with people or their qualities, 'brilla' means they are excellent or remarkable, similar to saying someone 'shines' in English.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'por'
Often, you use the preposition 'por' (because of/due to) after 'brilla' to explain why someone is excelling: 'brilla por su talento' (he excels because of his talent).
When someone brilla, it can mean 'it glows' or looks radiant, often due to good health or happiness.
brilla(Verb)
glows
?looks radiant (e.g., with health)
is vibrant
?describing energy or appearance
📝 In Action
Su piel brilla de tan sana que está.
B2Her skin glows because it is so healthy.
La felicidad brilla en sus ojos.
C1Happiness shines/glows in her eyes.
💡 Grammar Points
Emotional Radiance
This usage connects an emotional state (like joy or health) to the idea of light, suggesting the person or thing is emitting positive energy.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: brilla
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'brilla' in its figurative sense (meaning to excel)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'brilla' used as a command?
Yes! 'Brilla' is the informal (tú) command form. If you tell a friend, '¡Brilla!', you are encouraging them to shine or do their best.
What is the difference between 'brilla' and 'reluce'?
Both mean 'to shine.' 'Brilla' is the more general and common term for emitting or reflecting light. 'Reluce' (from relucir) often implies a polished or sleek shine, like a newly waxed floor or a gleaming armor.