Inklingo
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linterna

/leen-TEHR-nah/

flashlight

A blue and yellow flashlight lying horizontally on a surface, casting a bright circular beam of yellow light onto a dark background.

In many contexts, a linterna is a handheld flashlight.

linterna(noun)

fA1

flashlight

?

North American English

,

torch

?

British English

Also:

hand lamp

?

General portable light

📝 In Action

Perdí las llaves y necesito una linterna para ver en la oscuridad.

A1

I lost the keys and I need a flashlight to see in the dark.

Asegúrate de que la linterna tenga pilas nuevas antes de ir de excursión.

A2

Make sure the torch has new batteries before going hiking.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • foco (light/bulb (less common for handheld))
  • luz (light)

Common Collocations

  • prender la linterna – to turn on the flashlight
  • apagar la linterna – to turn off the flashlight

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Reminder

'Linterna' is a feminine noun, so you always use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la linterna' (the flashlight).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing with 'Lámpara'

Mistake: "Using 'lámpara' when referring specifically to a handheld flashlight."

Correction: 'Lámpara' usually means a desk lamp or ceiling lamp. Use 'linterna' for the portable, battery-operated kind.

⭐ Usage Tips

Simple Request

To ask if someone has a flashlight, simply say: '¿Tienes una linterna?'

A simplified illustration of a large architectural dome structure topped by a small, tiered, windowed structure known as a lantern, set against a clear blue sky.

Linterna can also refer to an architectural lantern, the structure crowning a dome.

linterna(noun)

fC1

lantern

?

Architectural structure on a dome

Also:

cupola

?

Small turret or dome for light

📝 In Action

La linterna del domo central permite que la luz natural ilumine el interior.

C1

The lantern on the central dome allows natural light to illuminate the interior.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cimborrio (lantern tower)
  • claraboya (skylight)

⭐ Usage Tips

Context Clues

If you are reading about historical buildings or church architecture, 'linterna' refers to the structure on the roof, not a modern device.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: linterna

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses the most common, everyday meaning of 'linterna'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

farol(street lamp / decorative lantern) - noun
linternazo(flash of light / blow with a flashlight) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ask someone to turn on their flashlight?

You can use the verb 'prender' (to turn on) or 'encender' (to light/turn on). The simplest way is: 'Prende la linterna, por favor.' (Turn on the flashlight, please.)

Is 'linterna' feminine or masculine?

'Linterna' is always feminine. Remember to use the feminine article 'la' or 'una'.