Inklingo

lámpara

LAHM-pah-rah/ˈlam.pa.ɾa/

lámpara means lamp in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

lamp, light fixture

Also: lighting unit
NounfA1
A brightly glowing table lamp with a wide shade resting on a surface, illuminating the immediate area.

📝 In Action

Compré una lámpara de pie nueva para la sala.

A1

I bought a new floor lamp for the living room.

La lámpara del comedor tiene un diseño muy moderno.

A2

The dining room light fixture has a very modern design.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • luminaria (luminaire)

Common Collocations

  • lámpara de mesatable lamp
  • lámpara de techoceiling lamp/fixture

light bulb

Also: tube light
NounfB1
SpainMexico / Central America
A single, clear glass incandescent light bulb, separate from any fixture, showing the illuminated filament inside.

📝 In Action

Necesitamos comprar una lámpara de repuesto porque esta se fundió.

B1

We need to buy a replacement light bulb because this one burned out.

Asegúrate de que la lámpara sea de bajo consumo.

B2

Make sure the bulb is energy-saving.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bombilla (light bulb (most common term in Spain))
  • foco (light bulb (common in Mexico))

Common Collocations

  • cambiar la lámparato change the light bulb

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "lámpara" in Spanish:

lamplight bulblight fixturelighting unittube light

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: lámpara

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'lámpara' in the sense of 'the entire lighting fixture'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
lamparilla(small lamp / nightlight)Noun
lamparero(lamp maker/seller)Noun
🎵 Rhymes
cámarapájara
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Old Spanish word 'lámpara', which itself originated from the Latin word 'lampas'. This Latin term was borrowed from the Ancient Greek word 'lampás', meaning 'torch' or 'light'.

First recorded: Medieval period (around the 13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

English: lampFrench: lampePortuguese: lâmpada

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'lámpara' different from 'luz'?

'Luz' means 'light' (the energy or illumination itself, like 'turn off the light'). 'Lámpara' is the physical object—the device or fixture—that produces the light.

Is 'lamparilla' just a small lamp?

Yes, 'lamparilla' is a diminutive form, meaning a 'small lamp' or often specifically a 'nightlight' or a small, low-powered light source.