iluminación
“iluminación” means “lighting” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
lighting
Also: illumination
📝 In Action
La iluminación de esta oficina es muy natural.
A2The lighting in this office is very natural.
Me gusta la iluminación tenue para cenar.
B1I like dim lighting for dinner.
enlightenment
Also: inspiration
📝 In Action
El monje busca la iluminación a través de la meditación.
B2The monk seeks enlightenment through meditation.
Tuve una iluminación y resolví el problema.
C1I had a moment of inspiration and solved the problem.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: iluminación
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence describes the 'quality of light' in a room?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'illuminatio', which comes from 'lumen' meaning 'light'. It's the idea of 'bringing light into' a space or a mind.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'iluminación' to mean a light bulb?
Not really. For the physical bulb, use 'bombilla' or 'foco'. 'Iluminación' refers to the light itself or the system as a whole.
Is it formal or informal?
It's a neutral word. You can use it with friends when talking about a lamp, or in a professional setting like a photography studio.

