Spanish Conversation · Level 55
75 words
Spanish word
cerilla
Pronunciation
IPA/θeˈɾiʝa/
Meaning
- feminine nounmatch
Example
¿Tienes una cerilla para encender la vela?
Do you have a match to light the candle?
More examples
Siempre llevo una cerilla en el bolsillo.
I always carry a match in my pocket.
Core concept
Small disposable stick with a chemical tip that produces a flame when struck.
Common phrases
encender una cerilla
light a match
prender una cerilla
light a match
frotar una cerilla
strike a match
Similar words
fósforo: Small disposable stick with a chemically treated head that lights by friction.
cerillo: Short disposable matchstick with a chemical-coated tip that ignites on strike.
encendedor: Handheld refillable device that produces a flame from gas or liquid fuel.
Definition in Spanish
Utensilio de un solo uso, generalmente una varilla corta cuya cabeza química, al frotarse, genera llama para encender cigarrillos, velas u hornillas.
Word origin
From Latin cera 'wax' plus diminutive -illa, originally meaning a small wax item or candle and later shifting to the striking stick used to make a flame.
Usage tips
- To request a light, speakers commonly say '¿Tienes fuego?', which can bring either a match or a lighter.
Related words
- cerilleromatchboxnoun
- cerillomatchnoun