Spanish word

efímero

Pronunciation

IPA/eˈfimeɾo/

Meaning

  • adjectivebrief

Example

Disfrutemos este momento efímero.

Let's enjoy this brief moment.

Illustration for efímero (brief)

More examples

Su fama resultó ser efímera y pronto fue olvidada.

Their fame proved to be ephemeral and was soon forgotten.

Core concept

One cherry blossom petal drifting away in the wind.

Common phrases

  • belleza efímera

    ephemeral beauty

  • vida efímera

    ephemeral life

  • éxito efímero

    ephemeral success

Similar words

breve: Endures for a short time and appears in neutral, everyday contexts.
momentáneo: Occurs only in that specific moment and disappears immediately after.
fugaz: Exists for a brief flash and vanishes almost instantly.
pasajero: Remains for a short span and ends soon, implying a temporary state.

Definition in Spanish

Que tiene una duración muy breve, casi momentánea, aplicado sobre todo a experiencias o sensaciones pasajeras.

Word origin

Efímero comes from Greek ephemeros meaning 'lasting a day' and arrived in Spanish via Latin, giving it the sense of something very short-lived.

Usage tips

  • Usually used in literary or aesthetic contexts with words like belleza or momento to describe transient feelings or scenes, and it sounds formal or poetic in casual conversation.

Other meanings

  • ephemeraladjective

Opposites

Related words

  • efimeridadephemeralitynoun
  • efímeramenteephemerallyadverb

Word lists with this word