Inklingo

How to Say "headlight" in Spanish

English → Spanish

faro

/FAH-roh//ˈfaɾo/

nounA2general
Use 'faro' specifically for the front lights of a vehicle, like a car or motorcycle.
The front of a classic blue car showing a bright round headlight.

Examples

Tienes que encender los faros del coche porque ya es de noche.

You have to turn on the car's headlights because it's already night.

Se rompió el faro izquierdo en el accidente.

The left headlight broke in the accident.

Plural Usage

Since cars usually have two, you will most often hear this in the plural form: 'los faros'.

foco

/FOH-koh//ˈfoko/

nounB1general
Use 'foco' for powerful lights, such as stadium lights or spotlights, but it can also refer to vehicle lighting in a more general sense.
A large theater spotlight shining a bright beam of light downwards.

Examples

Los focos del estadio son muy potentes.

The stadium spotlights are very powerful.

Uno de los focos de mi coche no funciona.

One of my car's headlights isn't working.

El actor se quedó quieto bajo el foco.

The actor stood still under the spotlight.

Plural Form

To talk about multiple lights (like on a car), just add 's' to make 'focos'.

Faro vs. Foco for Vehicle Lights

Learners often confuse 'faro' and 'foco' when referring to vehicle lights. While 'faro' is exclusively for vehicle headlights, 'foco' can also mean a spotlight or stadium light, so 'faro' is the safer, more precise choice for car headlights.

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