faro
/FAH-roh/
lighthouse
A lighthouse (faro) used to guide ships at sea.
📝 In Action
Vimos la luz del faro desde el barco.
A1We saw the light from the lighthouse from the boat.
El faro está en lo alto del acantilado.
A2The lighthouse is at the top of the cliff.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Pattern
This word ends in -o, which almost always means it is masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' with it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't confuse with 'faraón'
Mistake: "El faraón de la costa."
Correction: El faro de la costa. A 'faraón' is an Egyptian King (Pharaoh), while a 'faro' is a lighthouse!
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing the Coast
When talking about scenery, 'faro' is a key word to make your descriptions sound more poetic and specific.
A headlight (faro) on a vehicle to light the way ahead.
📝 In Action
Tienes que encender los faros del coche porque ya es de noche.
A2You have to turn on the car's headlights because it's already night.
Se rompió el faro izquierdo en el accidente.
B1The left headlight broke in the accident.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Usage
Since cars usually have two, you will most often hear this in the plural form: 'los faros'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Car Parts
In many Latin American countries, people might also use the word 'foco' for car lights, but 'faro' is understood everywhere.
A person acting as a guiding light (faro) to provide direction.
faro(noun)
guiding light
?a person or idea that provides direction
beacon
?figurative sense of hope or guidance
📝 In Action
Sus palabras fueron un faro de esperanza para nosotros.
B2Her words were a beacon of hope for us.
Él siempre ha sido mi faro en los momentos difíciles.
C1He has always been my guiding light in difficult times.
⭐ Usage Tips
Poetic Touch
Use this when you want to sound more emotional or profound when describing someone you admire.
✏️ 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
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.