Inklingo
← Dictionary

farol

fah-ROHL/faˈɾol/

“farol” means “lantern” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

lantern, lamp

Also: streetlight
NounmA2
Spain
A classic metal lantern with a glowing candle inside, sitting on a wooden table.

📝 In Action

Llevábamos un farol para iluminar el camino del bosque.

A2

We carried a lantern to light the forest path.

Los faroles del casco antiguo son muy románticos.

B1

The streetlights in the old town are very romantic.

Colgaron faroles de papel de colores para la fiesta.

A2

They hung colored paper lanterns for the party.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • linterna (flashlight/lantern)
  • lámpara (lamp)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • farol de papel – paper lantern
  • la luz del farol – the lantern light
  • encender el farol – to light the lantern

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser el último mono del farol – to be the least important person in a group

bluff

Also: boast
NounmB2informal
A person at a card table hiding their face behind a fan of cards while wearing a confident smile.

📝 In Action

No creo que tenga un buen juego, es solo un farol.

B2

I don't think he has a good hand; it's just a bluff.

Se marcó un farol diciendo que conocía al presidente.

C1

He pulled a bluff saying he knew the president.

Juan es un experto en echar faroles en el póker.

B2

Juan is an expert at bluffing in poker.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • engaño (deceit)
  • bulo (hoax/rumor)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • echar un farol – to bluff
  • marcarse un farol – to pull a bluff / to brag

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "farol" in Spanish:

bluff→boast→lamp→lantern→streetlight→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: farol

Question 1 of 3

If you are playing poker and pretend to have an Ace when you don't, you are creating a...

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
farolillo(small lantern) — Noun
farola(street lamp) — Noun
farolero(lamplighter / braggart) — Noun
farolear(to bluff or show off) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Greek word 'phanos' (meaning 'light' or 'torch'), which entered Spanish via Arabic and Latin influences.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: farolFrench: fanal

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'farol' masculine or feminine?

It is masculine: 'el farol'.

Can I use 'farol' to mean a flashlight?

Not usually. For a modern battery-powered flashlight, 'linterna' is the correct word.

What does 'marcarse un farol' mean in daily life?

It means someone is bragging or telling a 'tall tale' to look better than they are.