brillante
/bree-YAHN-tay/
bright
Brillante means 'bright' when describing something full of light.
brillante(adjective)
bright
?full of light
,shiny
?having a smooth, reflective surface
sparkling
?glittering
,glossy
?polished
📝 In Action
Necesitas gafas de sol porque la nieve está muy brillante.
A2You need sunglasses because the snow is very bright.
Compramos pintura brillante para que la sala se viera más grande.
A1We bought glossy paint so the living room would look bigger.
Las estrellas eran tan brillantes que podías verlas desde la ciudad.
B1The stars were so bright you could see them from the city.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement (Numbers)
Since 'brillante' ends in '-e', it is the same form for masculine and feminine nouns. However, if you are describing more than one thing, you must add '-s' (brillantes).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Form
Mistake: "Using *brillanta* for a feminine noun (e.g., *La estrella es brillanta*)."
Correction: This adjective doesn't change based on gender. Use *brillante* for both: *La estrella es brillante* (The star is bright).
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Metals and Surfaces
Use 'brillante' frequently when talking about cleaned cars, polished wood, or new jewelry to emphasize the shine and luster.
Brillante can mean 'brilliant,' describing someone exceptionally clever or talented.
brillante(adjective)
brilliant
?exceptionally clever or talented
,outstanding
?excellent achievement
clever
?smart
,magnificent
?impressive performance
📝 In Action
Tu hermano es un estudiante brillante; siempre saca las mejores notas.
B1Your brother is a brilliant student; he always gets the best grades.
La actriz tuvo una actuación brillante en la obra de teatro.
B2The actress gave a brilliant performance in the play.
El plan que propusiste es realmente brillante.
B1The plan you proposed is truly brilliant.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing Qualities
Use 'brillante' with the verb ser (like 'es' or 'son') because it describes a fundamental, lasting quality of a person or idea, not a temporary state.
⭐ Usage Tips
Intensifying Praise
Use 'realmente' or 'absolutamente' before 'brillante' (e.g., 'realmente brillante') to emphasize that an idea or person is exceptional.
When used as a noun, brillante means 'diamond.'
📝 In Action
El anillo de compromiso tiene un brillante de dos quilates.
C1The engagement ring has a two-carat diamond.
Los brillantes que adornan la corona son de la mejor calidad.
C1The diamonds adorning the crown are of the best quality.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
When used as a noun meaning 'diamond,' brillante is always masculine: el brillante (the diamond) and los brillantes (the diamonds).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Diamante' for Clarity
While 'brillante' is used, many speakers prefer the word 'diamante' (diamond) to avoid confusion with the adjective meaning 'bright' or 'clever.'
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: brillante
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'brillante' in its figurative (clever) meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'brillante' change its ending for masculine and feminine nouns?
No, it doesn't! Because 'brillante' already ends in the vowel 'e', it is used the same way for both masculine (*el coche brillante*) and feminine (*la idea brillante*) nouns. You only change the ending if you are talking about more than one thing (*los coches brillantes*).
How do I know if 'brillante' means 'bright' or 'clever'?
The context usually makes it clear. If you are talking about light, colors, or surfaces, it means 'bright' or 'shiny.' If you are talking about a person, an idea, a career, or a performance, it means 'brilliant' or 'excellent.'