fantasmas
/fahn-TAHS-mahs/
ghosts
The primary meaning of "fantasmas" refers to ghosts or supernatural spirits.
📝 In Action
Dicen que en esa casa antigua hay muchos fantasmas.
A2They say there are many ghosts in that old house.
Mis hermanos se asustan con las películas de fantasmas.
B1My siblings get scared by ghost movies.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Trap
Even though 'fantasma' ends in '-a', it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el fantasma' (singular) and 'los fantasmas' (plural), never 'la fantasma'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Article
Mistake: "Las fantasmas salieron del armario."
Correction: Los fantasmas salieron del armario. (Remember to use the masculine article 'los'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Singular
If you are referring to just one, the word is 'fantasma'. If you are referring to several, the word is 'fantasmas'.
Metaphorically, "fantasmas" can also describe boasters or people who exaggerate their importance.
fantasmas(noun)
boasters
?people who exaggerate or lie
,show-offs
?people who pretend to be important
unreliable people
?people who never follow through
📝 In Action
No te fíes de ese grupo, son unos fantasmas; prometen mucho y no hacen nada.
B2Don't trust that group, they are show-offs; they promise a lot and do nothing.
Mi jefe es un fantasma. Dice que tiene contactos importantes pero nunca los usa.
C1My boss is a boaster. He says he has important contacts but never uses them.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Distrust
This informal meaning is often used when you want to express strong distrust or disappointment in someone who is all talk and no action.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: fantasmas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'fantasmas' in its informal, figurative meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If 'fantasma' ends in -a, why is it masculine?
This is a common exception! 'Fantasma' is one of several nouns derived from Greek that end in -ma (like 'problema' or 'clima') but are masculine. You must always use 'el fantasma' and 'los fantasmas'.
Can I use 'fantasmas' to describe a female boaster?
Yes. When used in the figurative sense, 'fantasma' and 'fantasmas' are used for both men and women who are show-offs or unreliable. It acts as a fixed masculine noun in this context.