Inklingo
Dictionary

faro

FAH-rohˈfaɾo

“faro” means “lighthouse” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

lighthouseA2Noun

a tower with a bright light to guide ships

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headlightA2Noun

the front lights of a vehicle

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guiding lightB2Noun

a person or idea that provides direction

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lighthouseAlso: beacon

NounmA2
A tall white and red lighthouse standing on a rocky cliff by the blue sea.

📝 In Action

Vimos la luz del faro desde el barco.

A1

We saw the light from the lighthouse from the boat.

El faro está en lo alto del acantilado.

A2

The lighthouse is at the top of the cliff.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • torre de luz (light tower)

Common Collocations

  • faro marítimo – maritime lighthouse
  • la luz del faro – the lighthouse light

headlightAlso: headlamp

NounmA2
The front of a classic blue car showing a bright round headlight.

📝 In Action

Tienes que encender los faros del coche porque ya es de noche.

A2

You have to turn on the car's headlights because it's already night.

Se rompió el faro izquierdo en el accidente.

B1

The left headlight broke in the accident.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • foco (spotlight/bulb)

Common Collocations

  • faros antiniebla – fog lights
  • encender los faros – to turn on the headlights

guiding lightAlso: beacon

NounmB2formal
A wise elder holding a glowing lantern to show a path to a young person in a forest.

📝 In Action

Sus palabras fueron un faro de esperanza para nosotros.

B2

Her words were a beacon of hope for us.

Él siempre ha sido mi faro en los momentos difíciles.

C1

He has always been my guiding light in difficult times.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • guía (guide)
  • modelo (role model)

Common Collocations

  • faro de esperanza – beacon of hope

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser el faro que guía a alguien – to be the person who shows someone the right path in life

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "faro" in Spanish:

beaconguiding lightheadlampheadlightlighthouse

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: faro

Question 1 of 2

If you are driving at night and can't see the road, what should you turn on?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
farol(lantern / streetlamp) — Noun
farero(lighthouse keeper) — Noun
farolillo(small lantern) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes
claroraroamparo
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Greek word 'Pharos,' which was the name of the small island where the famous Great Lighthouse of Alexandria stood in ancient times.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: phareItalian: faroPortuguese: farol

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'faro' always masculine?

Yes, 'faro' is always a masculine noun. You should always use 'el faro' or 'los faros'.

Can I use 'faro' for a flashlight?

No, a handheld flashlight is usually called 'una linterna'. 'Faro' is reserved for large stationary lighthouses or the powerful lights on vehicles.