ligero
/li-HEH-roh/
light
Ligero (light) describes something that is not heavy in weight, like a feather.
📝 In Action
Este equipaje de mano es muy ligero.
A1This carry-on luggage is very light.
Quiero una cena ligera esta noche.
A2I want a light dinner tonight (not heavy food).
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish describing words, 'ligero' must match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the thing it describes: 'un abrigo ligero' (masc. sing.) vs. 'una camisa ligera' (fem. sing.).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing weight and color
Mistake: "Using 'ligero' to mean 'light color' (e.g., 'el azul ligero')."
Correction: Use 'claro' for light colors. 'Ligero' is almost always about weight or speed. Say: 'el azul claro'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Food Description
When describing food, 'ligero' means it won't make you feel full or bloated (like a salad or soup), not just the weight of the ingredients.
Ligero can mean fast or quick in movement, like a running cheetah.
📝 In Action
Es un corredor muy ligero; ganó la carrera fácilmente.
B1He is a very fast runner; he won the race easily.
Necesitamos tomar una decisión ligera sobre esto.
B2We need to make a quick decision about this.
💡 Grammar Points
Adverbial Form
To say something is done 'quickly' or 'lightly' (the adverb), you usually use the feminine form of the adjective plus '-mente': 'ligeramente'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Speed vs. Weight
In this context, 'ligero' often implies speed achieved because of a lack of weight or impediment. If you just mean 'fast,' 'rápido' is often a safe choice.
Used to describe an injury, ligero means slight or minor, like a scratch requiring only a small bandage.
ligero(adjective)
slight
?minor, not serious (e.g., injury)
superficial
?lacking depth
,minor
?small degree
📝 In Action
El doctor dijo que la herida era muy ligera y sanaría pronto.
B2The doctor said the wound was very slight and would heal soon.
Tuve un sueño ligero, me desperté varias veces.
C1I had a light sleep (not deep sleep); I woke up several times.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
Think of this meaning as 'lacking weight' in terms of importance or depth. A 'golpe ligero' is a bump that doesn't carry much consequence.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing People
When describing a person's character, 'ligero' can sometimes suggest they are frivolous or superficial, so use caution in this context.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ligero
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ligero' to mean 'quick' or 'fast'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'ligero' means 'light in weight' or 'fast'?
The context usually makes it clear. If you are talking about an object (like a suitcase or a shirt), it means 'light in weight.' If you are talking about movement, speed, or a vehicle, it usually means 'fast' or 'agile.' If you are talking about an injury or sleep, it means 'minor' or 'superficial'.
Can I use 'ligero' to describe a light color?
No, that is a common mistake. In Spanish, you must use 'claro' (e.g., 'azul claro' for light blue) to describe color. 'Ligero' is reserved for weight, speed, or seriousness.