Inklingo
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fantasma

/fahn-TAHS-mah/

ghost

A translucent white ghost figure with a flowing bottom edge floating in a dark blue, simple room.

The most common meaning of fantasma is a ghost, a supernatural being.

fantasma(noun)

mA2

ghost

?

supernatural being

Also:

specter

?

literary term for a ghost

,

phantom

?

a terrifying apparition

📝 In Action

Dicen que un viejo fantasma vive en ese castillo abandonado.

A2

They say an old ghost lives in that abandoned castle.

Mi hermano vio el fantasma de una mujer en el espejo.

B1

My brother saw the specter of a woman in the mirror.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • espectro (specter)
  • aparecido (apparition)

Common Collocations

  • el fantasma de la ópera – the phantom of the opera
  • ciudad fantasma – ghost town

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Nouns Ending in -A

Even though 'fantasma' ends in -a, it is always a masculine noun, meaning you must use 'el' (the) and masculine adjectives with it: 'el fantasma blanco' (the white ghost).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Wrong Article

Mistake: "La fantasma es aterradora."

Correction: El fantasma es aterrador. (The ghost is terrifying.) Remember to use 'el' for this word.

⭐ Usage Tips

Singular and Plural

The plural is 'los fantasmas'. Note that the word 'fantasma' itself doesn't change when pluralized, only the article and accompanying adjectives.

A brightly dressed figure standing on a small stage, proudly displaying a large, shiny gold medal and smiling boastfully.

In a different context, fantasma can refer to a show-off, a person who boasts excessively.

fantasma(noun)

mB2

show-off

?

person who boasts

Also:

phony

?

a pretender

,

windbag

?

someone who talks a lot without substance

📝 In Action

No le hagas caso, solo es un fantasma que habla mucho pero no hace nada.

B2

Don'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.

C1

I thought he was a millionaire, but he turned out to be a phony.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • fanfarrón (braggart)
  • presumido (conceited person)

Common Collocations

  • hacerse el fantasma – to show off/to pretend to be important

💡 Grammar Points

Referring to People

When used for a person, 'fantasma' usually keeps the masculine article 'el' even if referring to a woman (Elisa es un fantasma). This usage is very common in Spain.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing literal and figurative use

Mistake: "El jefe es muy fantasma (meaning: The boss is very ghostly)."

Correction: El jefe es muy presumido/un fantasma (meaning: The boss is very conceited/a show-off). Use 'un fantasma' or switch to an adjective like 'presumido'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Regional Use Note

This informal meaning for describing a show-off is especially common in Spain and some parts of the Caribbean, though its tone and currency vary by region.

✏️ 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

fantasmal(ghostly, spectral) - adjective
fantasmagoría(phantasmagoria) - noun

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).