Spanish word

quimera

Pronunciation

IPA/kiˈmeɾa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpipe dream

Example

No persigas una quimera; fija metas reales.

Don't chase a pipe dream; set realistic goals.

Illustration for quimera (pipe dream)

More examples

Aunque parezca una quimera, vale la pena intentarlo.

Although it may seem like a pipe dream, it's worth trying.

Core concept

A castle on clouds.

Common phrases

  • perseguir una quimera

    pursue a pipe dream

  • soñar con una quimera

    have a pipe dream

Similar words

ilusión: A wishful expectation that lacks factual support but still inspires hope.
sueño: A personal ambition or future wish someone plans or longs to fulfill.
fantasía: A mental image or invented world created for pleasure, unlikely to become real.

Definition in Spanish

Ilusión o fantasía sin apoyo en hechos, que suele ser inalcanzable en la práctica.

Word origin

The word comes from Greek χίμαιρα (chimaera) via Latin chimaera and originally named a composite mythical monster, from which the figurative sense of an impossible fantasy develops.

Usage tips

  • Quimera usually carries a negative sense and often appears as perseguir una quimera to mean pursuing an unattainable goal.

Other meanings

  • fantasynoun
  • daydreamnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • quiméricochimericaladjective

Word lists with this word