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magia

MA-hiah (like mah-hee-ah)/ˈma.xja/

“magia” means “magic” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

magic

Also: sorcery, trickery
NounfA1
A storybook illustration of a wizard in a blue hat and robes, standing in a forest clearing, holding a glowing green orb that emits bright sparks.

📝 In Action

Creemos que la magia existe solo en las películas.

A1

We believe that magic only exists in movies.

El niño se asombró con el truco de magia del payaso.

A2

The boy was amazed by the clown's magic trick.

Ella estudió magia negra en secreto para volverse más fuerte.

B1

She secretly studied black magic to become stronger.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • hechicería (sorcery)
  • ilusionismo (illusionism (stage magic))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • hacer magia – to do magic
  • magia blanca / negra – white / black magic

charm

Also: sparkle, fascination
NounfB1
A simple, colorful storybook illustration showing an intricate silver locket resting on a purple velvet cushion. The locket has a soft, inner golden glow radiating from its center.

📝 In Action

Esa canción tiene una magia que me hace feliz.

B1

That song has a magic/charm that makes me happy.

La magia de sus ojos cautivó a todos en la sala.

B2

The charm (or magic) of her eyes captivated everyone in the room.

Volveremos a este lugar por la magia de sus paisajes.

B2

We will return to this place because of the magic/allure of its landscapes.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • encanto (charm)
  • atracción (attraction)
  • fascinación (fascination)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • la magia del cine – the magic of cinema
  • perder la magia – to lose the spark/magic

Idioms & Expressions

  • por arte de magia – as if by magic; suddenly and inexplicably

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "magia" in Spanish:

charm→fascination→magic→sorcery→sparkle→trickery→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: magia

Question 1 of 2

¿Cuál es la traducción más común de la frase 'por arte de magia'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
mágico(magical) — Adjective
maga / mago(magician / wizard) — Noun
magia potagia(hocus pocus / abracadabra) — Interjection
🎵 Rhymes▼
estrategiaenergía
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'magia' comes from the Latin 'magīa', which itself came from the ancient Greek 'mageía'. This Greek term referred to the practices of Persian priests (magi), who were seen as wise men possessing special, often supernatural, knowledge.

First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish, though the concept is ancient.

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: magiaFrench: magieEnglish: magic

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'magia' pronounced like the English word 'manager'?

No. The 'g' in 'magia' sounds like a strong 'h' sound in English (similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'). It is pronounced MA-hiah.

How do I say 'a magic trick'?

The most common and natural way is 'un truco de magia'. Don't just say 'una magia'; you need the word 'trick' or 'show'.