hechizo
“hechizo” means “spell” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
spell, charm
Also: enchantment
📝 In Action
El mago negro lanzó un hechizo muy poderoso.
B1The dark wizard cast a very powerful spell.
Pensamos que la princesa estaba bajo un hechizo de sueño.
B2We thought the princess was under a sleeping spell.
Necesitamos un contrahechizo para romper esto.
C1We need a counter-spell to break this.
allure, fascination
Also: charm
📝 In Action
El hechizo de su sonrisa nos hizo olvidar la hora.
C1The allure of her smile made us forget the time.
La ciudad tiene un hechizo especial que atrae a los artistas.
C1The city has a special charm that attracts artists.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: hechizo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'hechizo' in its figurative sense (meaning 'allure')?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Hechizo' comes from the Old Spanish word 'fechizo,' which meant 'artificial' or 'made by hand.' Because magic was seen as something 'made' or 'crafted,' the word shifted its meaning to specifically refer to a magical creation or spell.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
💡 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
Does 'hechizo' have a feminine form?
No. 'Hechizo' is a masculine noun ('el hechizo') and always stays that way, even when referring to something feminine. If you want to talk about a female person who casts spells, you would use 'la hechicera' (the sorceress).
Is 'hechizo' the same as 'encanto'?
They are very close synonyms. 'Hechizo' often implies a stronger, more intense magical act or a deeply captivating quality, while 'encanto' can be used for simpler magic (like a simple charm) or for general attractiveness.