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How to Say "beacon" in Spanish

English → Spanish

faro

/FAH-roh//ˈfaɾo/

nounA2general
Use 'faro' when referring to a literal signal light, like a lighthouse, or figuratively for a guiding principle or symbol of hope.
A tall white and red lighthouse standing on a rocky cliff by the blue sea.

Examples

El faro guía a los barcos en la noche oscura.

The beacon guides the ships in the dark night.

Vimos la luz del faro desde el barco.

We saw the light from the lighthouse from the boat.

El faro está en lo alto del acantilado.

The lighthouse is at the top of the cliff.

Sus palabras fueron un faro de esperanza para nosotros.

Her words were a beacon of hope for us.

Masculine Noun Pattern

This word ends in -o, which almost always means it is masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Don't confuse with 'faraón'

Mistake: “El faraón de la costa.”

Correction: El faro de la costa. A 'faraón' is an Egyptian King (Pharaoh), while a 'faro' is a lighthouse!

faro

/FAH-roh//ˈfaɾo/

nounB2figurative
Use 'faro' figuratively to represent something that provides hope or guidance, like a guiding light in difficult times.
A tall white and red lighthouse standing on a rocky cliff by the blue sea.

Examples

Sus palabras fueron un faro de esperanza para nosotros.

Her words were a beacon of hope for us.

Vimos la luz del faro desde el barco.

We saw the light from the lighthouse from the boat.

El faro está en lo alto del acantilado.

The lighthouse is at the top of the cliff.

Él siempre ha sido mi faro en los momentos difíciles.

He has always been my guiding light in difficult times.

Masculine Noun Pattern

This word ends in -o, which almost always means it is masculine. Use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Don't confuse with 'faraón'

Mistake: “El faraón de la costa.”

Correction: El faro de la costa. A 'faraón' is an Egyptian King (Pharaoh), while a 'faro' is a lighthouse!

antorcha

an-TOR-chah/anˈtoɾt͡ʃa/

nounB2general
Use 'antorcha' primarily for a physical torch, but also metaphorically for a source of inspiration or knowledge that is passed on.
A glowing lighthouse on a small island guiding a small boat through gentle waves.

Examples

La educación es la antorcha que ilumina el camino del futuro.

Education is the torch that lights the path to the future.

Ella fue la antorcha de la rebelión contra la injusticia.

She was the torch of the rebellion against injustice.

Ese científico es una antorcha de conocimiento en su campo.

That scientist is a beacon of knowledge in his field.

Symbolic Usage

When used as a symbol, it functions exactly like the physical noun, maintaining its gender and plural forms.

Faro vs. Antorcha for Inspiration

Learners often confuse 'faro' and 'antorcha' when talking about inspiration. While 'antorcha' can mean inspiration, 'faro' is more commonly used for a guiding light or symbol of hope, especially in more abstract or serious contexts.

Related Translations

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