How to Say "to flicker" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to flicker” is “parpadear” — use 'parpadear' when referring to a light source that is intermittently going on and off, like a faulty bulb or a blinking signal..
parpadear
/par-pah-deh-ar//paɾpaðeˈaɾ/
Examples
La bombilla de la cocina parpadea cuando la enciendo.
The kitchen light bulb flickers when I turn it on.
La luz del pasillo está parpadeando.
The hallway light is flickering.
Las estrellas parpadean en el cielo nocturno.
The stars twinkle in the night sky.
La pantalla de la computadora empezó a parpadear.
The computer screen started to flicker.
Describing steady vs unsteady light
Use 'brillar' for a steady shine and 'parpadear' when the light is interrupted or vibrating.
vacilar
/ba-see-lar//baθiˈlaɾ/
Examples
La llama de la vela vacilaba con la brisa.
The candle flame flickered in the breeze.
No vaciló ni un segundo en aceptar la oferta.
He didn't hesitate for a second in accepting the offer.
La llama de la vela empezó a vacilar por el viento.
The candle flame started to flicker because of the wind.
Vaciló un momento antes de responder a la pregunta.
She wavered for a moment before answering the question.
Using 'en'
When you hesitate to do something, use 'en' followed by the action: 'Vaciló en comprarlo' (He hesitated to buy it).
Cognate Confusion
Mistake: “Thinking it only means 'to vacillate' (hesitate).”
Correction: Remember that in conversation, it almost always means 'to tease' or 'to party' depending on the country!
Light vs. Flame
Related Translations
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