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How to Say "magic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

magia

MA-hiah (like mah-hee-ah)/ˈma.xja/

NounA1General
Use 'magia' when referring to the general concept, art, or supernatural power of magic itself.
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 to describe something as having the quality of magic, like a 'magic wand'.

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-res//poˈðeɾes/

NounA2General
Use 'poderes' when specifically talking about magical abilities or powers that a person or character has.
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.

poesía

NounB1Literary/Figurative
Use 'poesía' metaphorically to describe a deep emotional quality or artistic beauty, akin to the 'magic' of an experience.

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. Mágico

The most common confusion is between 'magia' (noun) and 'mágico' (adjective). Remember that 'magia' refers to the concept of magic itself, while 'mágico' describes something *having* magic.

Related Translations

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