Spanish word

iluminar

Pronunciation

IPA/ilumiˈnaɾ/

Meaning

  • verblight

Example

Por favor, ilumina la mesa para que pueda leer.

Please light the table so I can read.

Illustration for iluminar (light)

More examples

La luna llena ilumina el jardín por la noche.

The full moon illuminates the garden at night.

Core concept

A desk and books lit by a desk lamp.

Common phrases

  • iluminar el jardín

    illuminate the garden

  • iluminar con una vela

    illuminate with a candle

Similar words

encender: Turns on a lamp or electrical device so it emits light.
alumbrar: Shines light onto a place or object to make it visible.

Definition in Spanish

Hacer que un lugar u objeto reciba luz para poder verlo.

Word origin

From Latin illumināre, formed from lumen 'light' with root lumin- and a verb ending, it originally meant 'to give light'.

Usage tips

  • For a casual request to switch on a lamp native speakers say 'enciende la luz' or 'pon la luz' because iluminar sounds more formal or technical.

Other meanings

  • brightenverb
  • shed light onverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word