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espejo

/es-PEH-ho/

mirror

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

The word "espejo" often refers to a physical mirror, a polished surface that forms images by reflection.

espejo(noun)

mA1

mirror

?

reflective surface

,

looking glass

?

older term for mirror

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun Rule

'Espejo' is always masculine, so you must use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it: 'el espejo' or 'un espejo'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gender

Mistake: "La espejo (using the feminine article)"

Correction: El espejo (it is masculine, ending in -o is a good clue). Say 'El espejo está limpio.'

⭐ Usage Tips

Using 'Verse'

When talking about looking at yourself in the mirror, Spanish often uses the reflexive verb 'verse' (to see oneself): 'Me vi en el espejo' (I saw myself in the mirror).

The clear, detailed reflection of a small green tree visible in a still puddle of water on the ground.

“Espejo” can also mean the reflection, which is the image or representation seen in a reflective surface.

espejo(noun)

mB2

reflection

?

image or representation

,

model

?

an example to follow

Also:

image

?

a true representation

,

paradigm

?

an ideal example

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'espejo' means a faithful representation, showing things exactly as they are—like a window into a situation.

✏️ 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

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.