How to Say "campfire" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “campfire” is “fogata” — use 'fogata' for any controlled outdoor fire made while camping or for a similar recreational purpose..
fogata
/fo-GA-ta//foˈɡata/
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-rah//oˈɡeɾa/
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.
Fogata vs. Hoguera
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