Inklingo

How to Say "lights" in Spanish

English → Spanish

luces

/loo-ses//ˈlu.θes/ (Spain) or /ˈlu.ses/ (Latin America)

nounA1general
Use 'luces' when referring to the physical devices that produce light, such as lamps or bulbs, or the general concept of illumination.
A simple storybook illustration showing three distinct, glowing light bulbs hanging down from dark wires against a dark background, providing bright illumination.

Examples

Necesitamos encender las luces antes de que oscurezca.

We need to turn on the lights before it gets dark.

Las luces de la ciudad son impresionantes desde aquí.

The city lights are impressive from up here.

Ese niño tiene muchas luces para su edad.

That kid has a lot of wisdom/smarts for his age. (Figurative usage)

Gender and Number

This word is the plural form of the feminine noun 'luz' (light). Even though it ends in -es, you use feminine words (like 'las') before it.

Using the wrong plural form

Mistake: “Using 'luzs' instead of 'luces'.”

Correction: When a singular noun ends in 'z' (like luz), you change the 'z' to 'c' and add 'es' to make it plural (luces).

enciende

en-SYEN-de/enˈsjen̪.d̪e/

verbA2general
Use 'enciende' when you mean the action of turning on lights or igniting something, referring to the third-person singular present tense of 'encender' (to light/turn on).
A person using a long match to light the wick of a thick, colorful candle, creating a soft flame.

Examples

El viento es fuerte, pero él enciende la fogata.

The wind is strong, but he lights the bonfire.

Ella enciende una vela para ambientar la cena.

She lights a candle to set the mood for dinner.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

The most common mistake is confusing the noun 'luces' (lights, the devices) with the verb 'enciende' (he/she/it lights, the action). Remember that 'luces' refers to the objects, while 'enciende' describes the act of making them light up or igniting something.

Related Translations

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