ídolo
/EE-doh-loh/
idol
An 'ídolo' can refer to a highly admired person or celebrity.
📝 In Action
Lionel Messi es el ídolo de millones de niños.
A2Lionel Messi is the idol of millions of children.
Mi hermana considera a su maestra de arte su ídolo.
B1My sister considers her art teacher her idol.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Note: Ídolo vs. Ídola
Though ídolo is masculine, it can sometimes refer to a female celebrity, but the feminine form ídola is increasingly common and preferred when speaking about a woman.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Adjective
Mistake: "Usar 'idol' como adjetivo (e.g., 'el ídolo jugador')."
Correction: Use the word as a noun that describes the person: 'el jugador ídolo' or simply 'el ídolo'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Admiration
Use 'Mi ídolo es...' to quickly introduce who you admire most. It implies deep respect and fandom.
The original meaning of 'ídolo' is a religious statue or image used for worship.
📝 In Action
Los arqueólogos descubrieron un antiguo ídolo de piedra.
B1The archaeologists discovered an ancient stone idol.
Según la historia, la gente adoraba a un ídolo de oro.
B2According to the story, the people worshipped a golden idol.
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
This meaning is usually reserved for historical or mythological discussions about non-monotheistic religions.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ídolo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'ídolo' in its historical/religious sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'ídolo' refer to a woman?
Yes, it can be used generally for a woman who is admired, but the feminine form 'ídola' is often preferred. If you hear 'Mi ídolo es Shakira,' it is correct, but 'Mi ídola es Shakira' is also very common.
Does 'ídolo' always mean a celebrity?
No. While the most common use is for celebrities or athletes, it can also refer to any person who inspires deep respect and admiration, like a teacher, parent, or mentor.