velas

candles?for lighting or decoration

Also:tapers?thin candles

VE-las

ˈbelas

NounfA1

neutral

Three simple, white cylindrical candles standing upright, each topped with a small, brightly burning yellow flame, providing a soft glow.

📝 In Action

Compramos diez velas para la tarta de cumpleaños.

We bought ten candles for the birthday cake.

Cuando se fue la luz, tuvimos que encender velas.

When the power went out, we had to light candles.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cirios (large candles (often religious))

Common Collocations

soplar las velas – to blow out the candles
encender velas – to light candles

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Form

This is the plural form of the feminine noun 'vela' (candle). Remember to use the feminine article 'las' before it.

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: velas

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'velas' as a physical object?

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Word Family

vela(candle / sail) - Noun

velar(to watch over / to stay awake) - Verb

velador(watchman / bedside table) - Noun

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if 'velas' means 'candles' or 'you watch over'?

The easiest way is to look at the words around it. If you see 'las' or a number before it (e.g., 'cinco velas'), it is the noun 'candles' or 'sails.' If you see 'Tú' or the meaning implies an action (e.g., 'Tú velas por tu familia'), it is the verb form 'you watch over.'