luces
“luces” means “lights” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
lights
Also: headlights, knowledge
📝 In Action
Necesitamos encender las luces antes de que oscurezca.
A1We need to turn on the lights before it gets dark.
Las luces de la ciudad son impresionantes desde aquí.
A2The city lights are impressive from up here.
Ese niño tiene muchas luces para su edad.
B1That kid has a lot of wisdom/smarts for his age. (Figurative usage)
you wear
Also: you shine, you display
📝 In Action
¿Qué joyas luces hoy? ¡Son preciosas!
B1What jewelry are you wearing/showing off today? They are beautiful!
Siempre luces muy elegante cuando vas a esa fiesta.
B1You always look very elegant when you go to that party.
Si luces esa sonrisa, convences a cualquiera.
B2If you show that smile (literally: If you shine that smile), you convince anyone.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "luces" in Spanish:
headlights→knowledge→lights→you display→you shine→you wear→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: luces
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'luces' to mean 'smarts' or 'knowledge'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Both the noun 'luz' (and its plural 'luces') and the verb 'lucir' come directly from the Latin root *lux* (light) and the verb *lucere* (to shine). They are deeply interconnected, which is why the word 'luces' carries meanings related to both illumination and appearance.
First recorded: The root words date back to early Roman history, with their Spanish forms appearing around the 13th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'luces' means 'lights' (noun) or 'you wear' (verb)?
You can tell by the words around it. If it is preceded by 'las' (Las luces) or describes an inanimate object, it's the noun ('lights'). If it follows a subject like 'tú' (or implies 'tú') and is followed by an item of clothing, it is the verb ('you wear/shine').
Why does the singular form of 'luz' have a 'z' but the plural 'luces' has a 'c'?
Spanish spelling rules require the letter 'z' to change to 'c' when it comes immediately before the vowel 'e' or 'i'. Since the plural ending is '-es', the 'z' changes to 'c' to follow this rule.