luce
/loo-seh/
looks
When something has a noticeable appearance or style, we can say it looks (luce) good.
luce(Verb)
looks
?appearance or style
,wears
?shows off clothing well
shows off
?displaying something proudly
📝 In Action
Ella luce un vestido espectacular para la fiesta.
A2She looks spectacular in a dress for the party. (Literally: She wears/shows off a spectacular dress.)
Usted luce más joven con ese corte de pelo.
B1You look younger with that haircut.
¡Luce tu nueva bicicleta por el parque!
B1Show off your new bicycle around the park! (This is the 'tú' command form.)
💡 Grammar Points
Irregular 'Yo' Form
The 'yo' form (I) of the verb lucir is irregular in the present tense, changing from 'c' to 'zc': yo luzco. This change is necessary to keep the 'z' sound before the 'o'.
Using 'Luce' as a Command
The form 'luce' can also be a friendly command (tú imperative), meaning 'show off' or 'display': ¡Luce tu talento! (Show off your talent!)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing with 'Ver'
Mistake: "Using *luce* to mean 'sees' or 'watches.'"
Correction: *Luce* is about appearance ('looks good'), not perception. Use *ve* (from *ver*) for seeing.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Outfit
Use lucir when the person is actively making an outfit or item look good. If you just want to say someone is beautiful, use es or está.
The verb 'luce' means the star shines (emits light).
luce(Verb)
shines
?emits light
stands out
?is prominent or noticeable
📝 In Action
La luna luce en el cielo nocturno.
B1The moon shines in the night sky.
Aunque es tímido, su inteligencia luce en los exámenes.
B2Although he is shy, his intelligence shines/stands out in the exams.
La estrella luce con una luz muy intensa.
B1The star shines with a very intense light.
💡 Grammar Points
Impersonal Use
This meaning is often used impersonally, meaning the subject is an object (the sun, a star, a talent) rather than a person.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Shine
You can use luce to describe when a quality (like skill or kindness) is very apparent or noticeable, not just physical light.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: luce
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'luce' in the sense of 'showing off' or 'looking elegant'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'luce' the same as 'brilla'?
'Luce' (from *lucir*) and 'brilla' (from *brillar*) both mean 'shines.' However, *lucir* is also used for appearance ('looks good'), while *brillar* is generally reserved for physical light or exceptional performance.
How do I know if 'luce' means 'he shines' or 'he looks good'?
Look at the subject. If the subject is a person wearing clothes or describing their style, it means 'looks good.' If the subject is the sun, a light, or an abstract quality like talent, it means 'shines' or 'stands out.'