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How to Say "lantern" in Spanish

English → Spanish

farol

fah-ROHLfaˈɾol

nounA2general
Use 'farol' for a portable light, often used outdoors for illumination or as a decorative element.
A classic metal lantern with a glowing candle inside, sitting on a wooden table.

Examples

Llevábamos un farol para iluminar el camino del bosque.

We carried a lantern to light the forest path.

Los faroles del casco antiguo son muy románticos.

The streetlights in the old town are very romantic.

Colgaron faroles de papel de colores para la fiesta.

They hung colored paper lanterns for the party.

Making it Plural

Since this word ends in a consonant (l), you must add -es to make it plural: 'los faroles'.

Gender Consistency

Even though it doesn't end in 'o', it is a masculine word. Always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Farol vs. Farola

Mistake: “Using 'el farol' for a tall modern street post.”

Correction: Use 'la farola' for tall streetlights and 'el farol' for smaller, decorative, or portable lanterns.

linterna

leen-TEHR-nahlinˈteɾna

nounC1architectural
Use 'linterna' specifically for the architectural feature atop a dome or building that allows light to enter.
A simplified illustration of a large architectural dome structure topped by a small, tiered, windowed structure known as a lantern, set against a clear blue sky.

Examples

La linterna del domo central permite que la luz natural ilumine el interior.

The lantern on the central dome allows natural light to illuminate the interior.

Confusing Portable Lights with Architectural Features

The most common mistake is using 'linterna' for a portable light source, which is incorrect. Remember that 'farol' is for portable or decorative lights, while 'linterna' in this context refers to a specific architectural element on domes.

Related Translations

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