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fósforo

FOHS-fo-rohˈfosfoɾo

“fósforo” means “match” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

match

Also: matchstick
NounmA1
SpainCuba
A single wooden match with a bright red tip lying on a flat surface.

📝 In Action

¿Tienes un fósforo para encender la vela?

A1

Do you have a match to light the candle?

Compré una caja de fósforos en la tienda.

A2

I bought a box of matches at the store.

Ten cuidado al raspar el fósforo.

B1

Be careful when striking the match.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cerilla (match (primarily used in Spain))

Antonyms

  • encendedor (lighter (the device that doesn't use sticks))

Common Collocations

  • caja de fósforos – matchbox
  • encender un fósforo – to light a match
  • raspar un fósforo – to strike a match

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser un fósforo – to have a short fuse or a quick temper

phosphorus

NounmB2formal
A glowing, crystalline rock emitting a soft green light in a dark setting.

📝 In Action

El pescado es una buena fuente de fósforo.

B2

Fish is a good source of phosphorus.

El fósforo es esencial para el crecimiento de las plantas.

C1

Phosphorus is essential for plant growth.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • ciclo del fósforo – phosphorus cycle
  • fósforo blanco – white phosphorus

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "fósforo" in Spanish:

matchstick→phosphorus→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: fósforo

Question 1 of 3

If you are in Mexico and need to light a cigarette, what would you ask for?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
fosforescente(phosphorescent / glow-in-the-dark) — Adjective
fosforito(neon / fluorescent (color)) — Adjective
fosforar(to treat with phosphorus) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
semáforoánfora
📚 Etymology▼

From Ancient Greek 'phōsphoros,' which combines 'phōs' (light) and 'phoros' (bringing). It literally means 'light-bringer.'

First recorded: 18th century (in its modern chemical and lighting sense)

Cognates (Related words)

English: phosphorusFrench: phosphoreItalian: fosforo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'fósforo' the same as 'cerilla'?

Yes, they both mean 'match.' 'Fósforo' is common in Latin America, while 'cerilla' is the preferred term in Spain.

Can I use 'fósforo' to mean a sports match?

No. For a sports match (like soccer), use 'partido.' 'Fósforo' only refers to the tool for fire or the chemical element.

What is 'color fosforito'?

It refers to neon or highlighter-bright colors (like neon yellow or pink), derived from the word 'fósforo' because of its light-emitting properties.