luces
/loo-ses/
lights
The plural noun 'luces' means 'lights' or illumination devices.
luces(noun)
lights
?illumination devices
headlights
?on a vehicle
,knowledge
?figurative/wisdom (usually plural)
📝 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)
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Number
This word is the plural form of the feminine noun 'luz' (light). Even though it ends in -es, you use feminine words (like 'las') before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong plural form
Mistake: "Using 'luzs' instead of 'luces'."
Correction: When a singular noun ends in 'z' (like luz), you change the 'z' to 'c' and add 'es' to make it plural (luces).
⭐ Usage Tips
The figurative meaning
Using 'luces' to mean 'smarts' or 'knowledge' (e.g., 'tener luces') is very common and sounds natural, especially when describing a quick-witted person.
'Luces' is also the verb conjugation (tú form of lucir) meaning 'you wear' or 'you show off' an article of clothing.
luces(verb)
you wear
?to show off an item, e.g., clothing
you shine
?to stand out or look radiant
,you display
?to show something proudly
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Yo' Form is Special
The verb 'lucir' changes its stem from 'c' to 'zc' only in the 'yo' form (luzco) and in all the forms of the special verb mood used for wishes and doubts (the subjunctive).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Appearance
Use 'luces' (you wear) often when complimenting someone's clothing or appearance, like '¡Qué bien luces esa chaqueta!' (How well you wear that jacket!).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: luces
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'luces' to mean 'smarts' or 'knowledge'?
📚 More Resources
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.