Inklingo

How to Say "bonfire" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “bonfire” is “fogata” — use 'fogata' for a campfire, especially one used for warmth, cooking, or singing songs around, often in a more informal or recreational setting.

English → Spanish

fogata

fo-GA-tafoˈɡata

nounA2general
Use 'fogata' for a campfire, especially one used for warmth, cooking, or singing songs around, often in a more informal or recreational setting.
A small campfire with orange and yellow flames burning on a few wooden logs, surrounded by a ring of grey stones in a grassy outdoor setting.

Examples

Anoche cantamos canciones alrededor de la fogata.

Last night we sang songs around the campfire.

Necesitamos más madera para que la fogata no se apague.

We need more wood so the campfire doesn't go out.

En la playa hicieron una gran fogata para celebrar el año nuevo.

On the beach, they made a big bonfire to celebrate the New Year.

Gender and Articles

Since this word ends in '-a', it is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la fogata').

Describing the fire

In Spanish, adjectives that describe the fire usually come after the word, like 'una fogata brillante' (a bright campfire).

Fogata vs. Fuego

Mistake: “Using 'fuego' to describe the event of a campfire.”

Correction: Use 'fuego' for the element itself (fire), but use 'fogata' for the specific structure or social gathering around a fire outdoors.

hoguera

oh-GWEH-rahoˈɡeɾa

nounB1general
Choose 'hoguera' for a large, often ceremonial or festive bonfire, typically associated with specific celebrations or events, like bonfires on the beach for holidays.
A large bonfire with bright orange and yellow flames burning on a pile of wooden logs at night.

Examples

Hicimos una hoguera en la playa para celebrar la noche de San Juan.

We made a bonfire on the beach to celebrate St. John's night.

Echa más leña a la hoguera para que no se apague.

Throw more wood on the bonfire so it doesn't go out.

En la Edad Media, algunas personas eran condenadas a morir en la hoguera.

In the Middle Ages, some people were condemned to die at the stake.

Gender and Articles

Since this word ends in 'a' and is feminine, you must always use 'la' or 'una'. For example: 'la hoguera'.

Using 'en' for location

When talking about something being burned or someone dying, use the preposition 'en' (in/at). Example: 'morir en la hoguera'.

Hoguera vs. Incendio

Mistake: “Using 'hoguera' for a house fire or forest fire.”

Correction: Use 'incendio' for accidental or destructive fires. 'Hoguera' is a controlled fire made on purpose.

quema

KAY-mahˈke.ma

nounB1formal/regional
Use 'quema' specifically for a large, often official or ceremonial fire, particularly when referring to the controlled burning of materials like agricultural waste or grasslands, and be aware this usage can be regional.
A wooden log resting on the ground, actively engulfed in bright orange and yellow flames, illustrating the action of burning.

Examples

La quema de pastizales está prohibida en verano.

The burning of grasslands is prohibited in the summer.

Hubo una quema de basura que causó mucha contaminación.

There was a burning of trash that caused a lot of pollution.

El agricultor prepara la quema para limpiar el campo.

The farmer prepares the controlled burn to clear the field.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'quema' is feminine ('la quema'), even though it ends in '-a' and relates to fire (like 'el fuego').

Fogata vs. Hoguera

Learners often confuse 'fogata' and 'hoguera'. Remember that 'fogata' leans towards a smaller, more intimate campfire, while 'hoguera' implies a larger, more public or celebratory blaze. Using 'fogata' for a massive festival fire might sound understated.

Related Translations

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