Inklingo

How to Say "magic" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “magic” is “magia” — use 'magia' when referring to supernatural power, spells, or the concept of magic as it appears in fantasy.

English → Spanish

magia

MA-hiah (like mah-hee-ah)ˈma.xja

NounA1General
Use 'magia' when referring to supernatural power, spells, or the concept of magic as it appears in fantasy.
A storybook illustration of a wizard in a blue hat and robes, standing in a forest clearing, holding a glowing green orb that emits bright sparks.

Examples

Creemos que la magia existe solo en las películas.

We believe that magic only exists in movies.

El niño se asombró con el truco de magia del payaso.

The boy was amazed by the clown's magic trick.

Ella estudió magia negra en secreto para volverse más fuerte.

She secretly studied black magic to become stronger.

Gender Rule

'Magia' is always feminine, so you must use 'la magia' or 'una magia'. Remember that most Spanish words ending in '-a' are feminine.

mágico

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'mágico' as an adjective before a noun to describe something as 'magical' or related to magic, like a wand or a moment.

Examples

El mago usó una varita mágica para hacer desaparecer el conejo.

The magician used a magic wand to make the rabbit disappear.

poderes

po-DEH-respoˈðeɾes

NounA2General
Use 'poderes' specifically when talking about magical abilities or powers that a person or being possesses.
A cheerful child floating effortlessly in the air above a green field, demonstrating the power of flight.

Examples

El villano quería robarle sus poderes al héroe.

The villain wanted to steal the hero's powers.

Ella descubrió que tenía poderes para mover objetos con la mente.

She discovered she had abilities to move objects with her mind.

duende

DWEN-dehˈdwende

NounC1Informal/Artistic
Use 'duende' to describe an inexplicable charm, charisma, or soulfulness, often associated with artistic performance.
A flamenco dancer in a vibrant red dress dancing with intense emotion and swirling fabric.

Examples

Esa bailarina tiene mucho duende.

That dancer has a lot of soul/magic.

El cantaor de flamenco mostró su duende en el escenario.

The flamenco singer showed his artistic spirit on stage.

No es técnica, es que tiene duende al tocar la guitarra.

It’s not technique, it’s that he has a special magic when playing the guitar.

Abstract Concept

Even though it comes from the word for 'elf', in this context it is an abstract quality you possess, not a physical thing.

Overusing the term

poesía

NounB1Figurative/Literary
Use 'poesía' metaphorically to describe a deep emotional quality or a sense of wonder and beauty, similar to 'poetic magic'.

Examples

Hay mucha poesía en la forma en que ella mira el mundo.

There is a lot of poetic quality in the way she looks at the world.

Magia vs. Duende

Learners often mistakenly use 'magia' for the captivating charm of a performer. Remember, 'magia' refers to supernatural power, while 'duende' describes that special, almost magical, artistic soulfulness.

Related Translations

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