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gafas

GAH-fas/ˈɡafas/

“gafas” means “glasses” in Spanish (eyeglasses, spectacles).

glasses

Also: spectacles, sunglasses
NounfA1
Most of Latin America
A simple, brightly colored storybook illustration of a pair of red-framed eyeglasses.

📝 In Action

Necesito mis gafas para leer el menú en el restaurante.

A1

I need my glasses to read the menu at the restaurant.

Se puso las gafas de sol antes de salir a la playa.

A2

She put on her sunglasses before going out to the beach.

¿Dónde has dejado tus gafas? Estaban aquí hace un momento.

A1

Where did you leave your glasses? They were here a moment ago.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • anteojos (glasses (common in Southern Cone LA))
  • lentes (glasses (common in Mexico/Central America))

Common Collocations

  • gafas de sol – sunglasses
  • gafas de leer – reading glasses
  • ponerse las gafas – to put on one's glasses

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "gafas" in Spanish:

glasses→spectacles→sunglasses→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: gafas

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'gafas'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
gafotas(big/oversized glasses) — Noun
gafete(badge/clip (related to the hook shape)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
tapascapas
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the older Spanish word *gafa*, which means 'hook' or 'clasp.' This refers to the arms of the glasses that hook over the ears to keep them in place.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: gáveas

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'gafas' always plural if I only have one pair?

Like 'pantalones' (trousers) or 'tijeras' (scissors), 'gafas' refers to an object made of two symmetrical parts (the two lenses). Spanish inherited this plural structure from older languages for objects that are pairs.

Can I use 'gafas' for contact lenses?

No. *Gafas* specifically refers to eyeglasses worn on the face. For contact lenses, you must use *lentes de contacto* or *lentillas*.