Spanish Conversation · Level 163
30 words
Spanish word
mechero
Pronunciation
IPA/meˈtʃeɾo/
Meaning
- masculine nounlighter
Example
¿Tienes un mechero?
Do you have a lighter?
More examples
Si vas a la playa, trae un mechero por si hace falta.
If you go to the beach, bring a lighter just in case.
Core concept
Portable device that produces a small controlled flame for lighting.
Common phrases
comprar un mechero
buy a lighter
usar el mechero
use the lighter
Similar words
encendedor: Handheld lighter that uses gas or liquid fuel and ignites with one hand.
fósforo: Thin stick with a chemical-coated tip that ignites when struck on a rough surface.
cerilla: Short wooden or paper stick with a combustible tip that lights when struck.
Definition in Spanish
Instrumento portátil que sirve para encender rápidamente con una llama pequeña; en el lenguaje coloquial suele usarse como sinónimo de encendedor.
Word origin
The word comes from Spanish mecha 'wick' plus the suffix -ero 'instrument', originally meaning 'tool for a wick' and later applied to portable lighters.
Usage tips
- In Spain mechero is the common conversational word for a lighter and people often say '¿Me prestas un mechero?' to borrow one, while in many parts of Latin America encendedor is more usual.