Spanish Conversation · Level 9
90 words
Spanish word
candela
Pronunciation
IPA/kanˈdela/
Meaning
- feminine nouncandle
Example
¿La candela está encendida?
Is the candle lit?
More examples
No dejes la candela encendida sobre la mesa.
Don't leave the candle lit on the table.
Core concept
A source of soft light formed by wax melting around a central wick.
Common phrases
soplar la candela
blow out the candle
encender una candela
light a candle
quemar la candela por los dos extremos
burn the candle at both ends
Similar words
vela: Versatile home candle produced in many shapes for light or decoration.
fósforo: Portable matchstick that ignites by friction when its coated head is struck.
mecha: Narrow braided thread inside a candle that draws wax and burns steadily.
Definition in Spanish
Designa una pieza de cera con mecha que, al arder, da luz o crea ambiente en rituales y celebraciones.
Word origin
Spanish candela comes from Latin candēla, from candēre 'to shine', the same basic root behind words for candle across Romance languages.
Usage tips
- Vela and candela can overlap, but vela is widely used for ordinary candles in many varieties of Spanish, so check local preference to avoid sounding odd.
Related words
- candelerocandlesticknoun
- candelabrocandelabrumnoun
- candelitalittle candlenoun