Spanish word

ligero

Pronunciation

IPA/liˈxeɾo/

Meaning

  • adjectivelight

Example

Este bolso es ligero.

This bag is light.

Illustration for ligero (light)

More examples

Prefiero comer algo ligero por la noche.

I prefer to eat something light at night.

Core concept

A lightweight handbag that does not weigh down the arm.

Common phrases

  • bolso ligero

    light bag

  • ropa ligera

    light clothing

  • comida ligera

    light meal

Similar words

liviano: Noticeably low in weight and easy to lift or transport by hand.
leve: So slight in weight or burden that it hardly affects movement or effort.
ágil: Quick and flexible in body movement, moving with light, responsive steps.

Definition in Spanish

Que no pesa mucho y sugiere facilidad o rapidez en el movimiento.

Word origin

From Latin levis 'light' via Old French léger, Spanish ligero keeps the core idea of low weight and the related sense of ease in movement.

Usage tips

  • Spanish uses ligero for both low weight and nimbleness, so 'bolso ligero' is a light bag while 'paso ligero' is a brisk step.

Other meanings

  • nimbleadjective
  • slightadjective
  • quickadjective

Opposites

  • pesadoheavyadjective

Related words

  • ligerezalightnessnoun
  • aligerarlightenverb
  • ligeramenteslightlyadverb

Word lists with this word