Spanish word

espejo

Pronunciation

IPA/esˈpexo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmirror

Example

¿Dónde está el espejo?

Where is the mirror?

Illustration for espejo (mirror)

More examples

Me miré en el espejo de mano antes de salir.

I looked at myself in the hand mirror before leaving.

Core concept

Wall-mounted or handheld reflecting glass used to see oneself and check details.

Common phrases

  • espejo de mano

    hand mirror

  • espejo retrovisor

    rearview mirror

  • espejo de bolsillo

    pocket mirror

Similar words

retrovisor: Mirror fixed to a vehicle for viewing the area behind it.
espejismo: Atmospheric optical illusion that makes distant air or ground look like shimmering water.
tocador: Piece of furniture with an attached mirror used for applying makeup and grooming.

Definition in Spanish

Superficie lisa y reflectante que devuelve la imagen de algo o alguien, utilizada para verse o comprobar detalles.

Word origin

The Spanish term derives from Latin speculum 'mirror', and medieval Romance sound changes, including insertion of an initial e, yielded the modern Spanish form espejo.

Usage tips

  • Espejo occurs in both literal uses and figurative expressions (for example espejo del alma), so context determines whether it denotes a physical mirror or a metaphorical reflection.

Related words

  • espejismomiragenoun
  • espejarreflectverb
  • espejitosmall mirrornoun

Word lists with this word