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flash

flash/ˈflaʃ/

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

flash

Also: flashbulb
NounmA2
Mexico
A vintage camera positioned in the center, emitting a brilliant, white burst of photographic light from its flash unit, illuminating the surrounding area.

📝 In Action

Olvidé encender el flash para la foto nocturna.

A2

I forgot to turn on the flash for the night photo.

Necesitas un flash externo si quieres fotos de estudio.

B1

You need an external flash if you want studio photos.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • destello (sparkle, flash)

Common Collocations

  • usar el flash – to use the flash
  • disparar el flash – to fire the flash

news flash

Also: instant
NounmB1
An illustration of a news broadcasting van with a large antenna. A bright red emergency siren is spinning rapidly on the roof, symbolizing an urgent news report.

📝 In Action

Interrumpimos la programación para un flash informativo.

B1

We interrupt programming for a news flash.

Todo sucedió en un flash; no tuve tiempo de reaccionar.

B2

Everything happened in an instant; I didn't have time to react.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • instante (instant)
  • última hora (breaking news)

Common Collocations

  • flash informativo – news flash
  • en un flash – in a flash/instantly

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "flash" in Spanish:

flash→flashbulb→instant→news flash→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: flash

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'flash' to mean a sudden news report?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
flashear(to flash (verb)) — Verb
destello(sparkle, flash) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
cashcrash
📚 Etymology▼

This word comes directly from the English word 'flash,' meaning a sudden burst of light or speed. It was adopted into Spanish mainly due to photography and media.

First recorded: Mid-20th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: flash

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'flash' a proper Spanish word or an Anglicism?

'Flash' is considered an anglicism (a word borrowed from English). While commonly used and accepted, many purists prefer Spanish alternatives like 'destello' (for light) or 'última hora' (for news).