Spanish word

vela

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbela/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncandle

Example

Apaga la vela.

Blow out the candle.

Illustration for vela (candle)

More examples

Encendimos una vela durante el corte de luz.

We lit a candle during the power outage.

Core concept

A wax cylinder with a burning wick.

Common phrases

  • encender la vela

    light the candle

  • soplar la vela

    blow out the candle

  • vela de cumpleaños

    birthday candle

Similar words

candela: Gives a small, portable flame fueled by wax or oil, common in Latin American usage.
cirio: Burns steadily as a thick, long candle used in religious rites and on altars.
velón: Acts as a larger, long-lasting candle designed to burn for hours at vigils.
lámpara: Provides illumination via electricity or oil in a lamp or lighting fixture.

Definition in Spanish

Cilindro de cera con mecha usado para iluminar o en ceremonias; palabra polisémica que también designa la vela de un barco y las vigilias nocturnas.

Word origin

The nautical sense comes from Latin velum 'sail', and the candle and vigil senses reflect the central role of candles in nocturnal rituals.

Usage tips

  • Fixed expressions such as velas de cumpleaños and velas votivas indicate the candle sense, while nautical phrases like izar las velas or navegar a vela indicate the sail sense.

Other meanings

  • sailnoun

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