mago
/MAH-go/
magician
In the context of a stage performer, mago means magician.
📝 In Action
El mago sacó una paloma de su manga.
A2The magician took a dove out of his sleeve.
Fuimos a un espectáculo de magia y el mago fue muy divertido.
B1We went to a magic show and the magician was very funny.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Change
This word changes based on gender: 'mago' for a male performer, and 'maga' for a female performer.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Magic Words
Mistake: "Using 'mágico' (the adjective) instead of 'mago' (the person)."
Correction: Remember 'mago' is the person, and 'mágico' describes something, like 'un truco mágico' (a magic trick).
⭐ Usage Tips
Performance Focus
This meaning almost always implies someone performing tricks for an audience, not someone with supernatural powers.
In fantasy and mythology, mago refers to a powerful wizard.
mago(noun)
wizard
?fantasy/mythology figure
sorcerer
?one who uses magic
,Magi
?The Three Kings (Reyes Magos)
📝 In Action
El mago Merlín ayudó al Rey Arturo con su sabiduría.
B1Merlin the wizard helped King Arthur with his wisdom.
En España, los Reyes Magos traen regalos la noche del 5 de enero.
B2In Spain, the Three Kings bring gifts on the night of January 5th.
💡 Grammar Points
Cultural Significance
The plural form, 'Reyes Magos,' is crucial for understanding Spanish Christmas traditions, referring to the Three Wise Men who bring gifts.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context Clues
If the context is fantasy, mythology, or religion (like the Bible), 'mago' means someone with real, supernatural abilities, not just stage tricks.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mago
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'mago' to refer to a theatrical performer?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'mago' used for the Three Kings (Reyes Magos)?
Historically, the 'Magi' (the original meaning of 'mago') were wise men, astrologers, or scholars from the East. They were considered knowledgeable in hidden arts, which led to the modern meaning of 'wizard' or 'magician.' In the biblical context, they are wise men.
Should I use 'mago' or 'mágico'?
Use 'mago' to talk about the person (the magician or wizard). Use 'mágico' when you want to describe something as being related to magic or having a wonderful, enchanted quality (e.g., 'un lugar mágico').