Spanish Conversation · Level 135
45 words
Spanish word
brillar
Pronunciation
IPA/bɾiˈʝaɾ/
Meaning
- verbshine
Example
Tus ojos brillan cuando sonríes.
Your eyes shine when you smile.
More examples
Su sonrisa brilla y alegra la sala.
Her smile shines and brightens the room.
Core concept
A gemstone's sparkling surface.
Common phrases
brillar por su talento
stand out for one's talent
brillar con luz propia
shine with one's own light
la sonrisa brilla
Smile shines
Similar words
lucir: Appear attractive or well dressed, showing a pleasing look or style.
destacar: Stand out among a group by being especially noticeable or important.
sobresalir: Excel in quality or ability, rising above others and catching attention.
relucir: Give off a strong surface shine, showing a glossy, polished brilliance.
Definition in Spanish
Emitir un brillo o resplandor visible; también usarse para expresar que una persona o cosa llama la atención por su habilidad o belleza.
Word origin
Spanish brillar derives from Late Latin berillare via Latin beryllus and Greek beryllos 'beryl', originally referring to gem luster and later extending to visible brightness and figurative prominence.
Usage tips
- When used figuratively, brillar commonly combines with por to mean 'stand out for' (brillar por su talento) or with en to mean 'excel in' a role (brillar en una obra).