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espejo

es-PEH-ho/esˈpe.xo/

“espejo” means “mirror” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

mirror, looking glass

NounmA1
A simple, round hand mirror with a wooden handle, lying flat.

📝 In Action

Me peiné frente al espejo del baño.

A1

I brushed my hair in front of the bathroom mirror.

Ten cuidado, rompiste el espejo de la pared.

A2

Be careful, you broke the wall mirror.

Ella siempre lleva un pequeño espejo en su bolso.

A1

She always carries a small mirror in her purse.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • luna (pane of glass (often used for mirror glass))

Common Collocations

  • espejo retrovisor – rear-view mirror
  • espejo de aumento – magnifying mirror

Idioms & Expressions

  • ver el espejo de la vida – to face reality

reflection, model

Also: image, paradigm
NounmB2
The clear, detailed reflection of a small green tree visible in a still puddle of water on the ground.

📝 In Action

Esta ciudad es un espejo de la diversidad cultural del país.

B2

This city is a reflection of the country's cultural diversity.

Su disciplina es un espejo para sus compañeros de equipo.

C1

His discipline is a model for his teammates.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • modelo (model, example)
  • reflejo (reflection)

Common Collocations

  • ser un espejo de – to be a reflection/model of

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "espejo" in Spanish:

image→looking glass→mirror→model→paradigm→reflection→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: espejo

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'espejo' in its figurative meaning (as a model or reflection)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
espejismo(mirage) — Noun
espejear(to shine/glitter (like a mirror)) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'espejo' comes from the Old Spanish 'espeyo,' which itself evolved from the Latin word *speculum*, meaning 'mirror' or 'looking glass.' This Latin root is related to the verb *specere*, meaning 'to look at' or 'to observe.'

First recorded: 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: espelhoItalian (archaic): specchio

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'espejo' masculine or feminine?

'Espejo' is always a masculine noun. You must use 'el' (the) and 'un' (a) with it: 'el espejo' and 'un espejo'.

How do I say 'rear-view mirror' in Spanish?

The most common term is 'espejo retrovisor.' This is a fixed phrase that learners should memorize.