fantasma
“fantasma” means “ghost” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
ghost
Also: specter, phantom
📝 In Action
Dicen que un viejo fantasma vive en ese castillo abandonado.
A2They say an old ghost lives in that abandoned castle.
Mi hermano vio el fantasma de una mujer en el espejo.
B1My brother saw the specter of a woman in the mirror.
show-off
Also: phony, windbag
📝 In Action
No le hagas caso, solo es un fantasma que habla mucho pero no hace nada.
B2Don't pay attention to him, he's just a show-off who talks a lot but doesn't do anything.
Pensé que era millonario, pero resultó ser un fantasma.
C1I thought he was a millionaire, but he turned out to be a phony.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: fantasma
Question 1 of 2
If you hear someone say, 'Mi vecino es un fantasma,' what are they most likely trying to communicate?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Late Latin *phantasma* and the Greek *phántasma*, meaning 'appearance' or 'apparition.' It has always been related to things that are seen but are not physically real.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'fantasma' masculine or feminine?
'Fantasma' is always a masculine noun, so you use 'el' (el fantasma). This is an important exception, like words such as 'el problema' or 'el idioma'.
Can 'fantasma' be used as an adjective to mean 'ghostly'?
While the word 'fantasmal' is the proper adjective ('ghostly'), 'fantasma' is sometimes placed after a noun to describe it, like in 'ciudad fantasma' (ghost town).