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A2 noun #5,000 الأكثر شيوعاً 12 دقيقة للقراءة

vela

الأكثر شيوعاً #5,000

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح vela في 30 ثانية

الشرح vela in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'vela' as a basic noun meaning 'candle'. It is a feminine word, so you use 'la vela' or 'una vela'. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Yo tengo una vela' (I have a candle) or 'La vela es roja' (The candle is red). At this stage, focus on the physical object and its connection to light and birthdays. You don't need to worry about the nautical meaning or idiomatic expressions yet. Just remember that 'v' in Spanish sounds like a soft 'b', so 'vela' is pronounced like 'bela'. Practice identifying the object in your house and saying its name in Spanish. It is one of the first household objects many students learn because of its simplicity and the frequency of birthday celebrations in Spanish-speaking cultures. You should also learn the plural form, 'las velas', and how to count them, which is great for practicing numbers: 'una vela, dos velas, tres velas'.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'vela' in more functional contexts. You should know how to use verbs like 'encender' (to light) and 'apagar' (to turn off/extinguish) with it. For example, 'Encendí una vela porque no había luz' (I lit a candle because there was no light). You will also encounter 'vela' in the context of birthday parties, where 'soplar las velas' (to blow out the candles) is a key phrase. This is the level where you should also be aware that 'vela' can mean 'sail' on a boat, although the candle meaning is more common in daily conversation. You might start to see adjectives like 'aromática' (scented) or 'derretida' (melted) used to describe it. Understanding the gender agreement is crucial here: 'la vela blanca' vs 'el velo blanco' (the white veil). You are building the foundation to use this word in descriptions of atmosphere and basic storytelling.

By B1, you should be comfortable with the metaphorical and idiomatic uses of 'vela'. You will learn the expression 'quedarse en vela', which means to stay awake all night, often due to worry or duty. For example, 'Me quedé en vela esperando a mi hijo' (I stayed awake waiting for my son). You will also start to distinguish between 'vela', 'cirio', and 'veladora'. A 'cirio' is a large religious candle, and 'veladora' is a candle in a glass jar. At this level, you can describe more complex scenes: 'La luz tenue de la vela iluminaba el rostro de la anciana' (The dim light of the candle illuminated the old woman's face). You should also understand the nautical context better, recognizing 'barco de vela' as a sailboat. Your vocabulary is expanding to include the parts of the candle, like 'la mecha' (the wick) and 'la cera' (the wax).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, you use 'vela' with nuance and in more sophisticated grammatical structures. you might use the passive voice: 'Las velas fueron encendidas al anochecer' (The candles were lit at dusk). You will understand more complex idioms like 'no tener vela en este entierro', which means to have no business or say in a particular matter (literally: 'not to have a candle at this funeral'). This level requires understanding the cultural significance of candles in festivals like 'Día de los Muertos' or 'Semana Santa'. You can discuss the ambiance and the psychological effects of candlelight: 'La oscilación de la vela creaba un ambiente de misterio' (The flickering of the candle created an atmosphere of mystery). You are also expected to use the nautical meaning fluently, discussing 'navegación a vela' as a sport or historical mode of transport.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, your use of 'vela' is near-native. You understand the literary and poetic weight the word carries. In a novel, a 'vela' might symbolize the fragility of life or the persistence of hope in the dark. You can use advanced nautical terms like 'velamen' (the set of sails) or 'capear el temporal a palo seco' (to weather the storm without sails). You are familiar with regional variations, such as how 'candela' is used in Andalusia vs 'vela' in Madrid. You can debate the historical importance of candlemaking in the pre-industrial era and its impact on Spanish society. Your grasp of idioms is complete, and you can use them naturally in conversation to sound more authentic. You might say, 'No me des vela' in a specific regional slang to tell someone to stop watching you, showing a high level of cultural and linguistic immersion.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, 'vela' is a tool for professional and academic expression. You can analyze the etymology of the word from the Latin 'vigilia' and 'velum' and how these two distinct roots merged into a single Spanish word with multiple meanings. You can use 'vela' in technical contexts, such as 'velas japonesas' in financial analysis, or in high-level maritime discussions. You understand the most obscure literary references and can use the word in complex metaphors regarding time, spirituality, and the human condition. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the subtle differences in how 'v' is articulated in various Spanish-speaking regions. You can switch between the candle, sail, and vigil meanings effortlessly, often using them as puns or double entendres in sophisticated wordplay. You have a total command of the word's history, usage, and cultural resonance.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

vela في 30 ثانية

Vela means candle in Spanish and is a feminine noun (la vela).
It also refers to the sail of a boat and the act of keeping watch.
Common verbs used with it are encender (light) and apagar (extinguish).
It is central to many Spanish cultural rituals, from birthdays to religious processions.

The Spanish word vela is a feminine noun primarily referring to a candle—a cylinder of wax with a central wick used for light or ritual. In Spanish culture, the vela is far more than a simple utility; it is a symbol of warmth, spirituality, and memory. While the English word 'candle' covers most bases, 'vela' has a rich linguistic history that ties into the concept of watching or keeping vigil. You will encounter this word in everyday domestic life, such as when someone says 'enciende una vela' (light a candle) during a romantic dinner or a power outage. However, its most profound usage often occurs in religious and festive contexts. From the massive 'cirios' of Holy Week to the small 'velitas' on a birthday cake, the word is ubiquitous.

Physical Composition: A standard 'vela' consists of 'cera' (wax) and a 'mecha' (wick). The wax can be 'parafina' (paraffin) or 'cera de abeja' (beeswax).
Ritual Significance: In many Spanish-speaking countries, lighting a 'vela' for a saint is a common practice to request a favor or give thanks.

Para mi cumpleaños, soplé todas las velas del pastel de un solo soplo.

Beyond the wax cylinder, 'vela' also means 'sail' (as in a boat's sail), which comes from the Latin 'vela' (plural of 'velum'). This dual meaning can sometimes confuse beginners, but the context usually makes it clear. If you are in a church, it's a candle; if you are on a boat, it's a sail. Additionally, 'vela' relates to the verb 'velar', which means to stay awake or keep watch. This is why a wake for a deceased person is called a 'velatorio'. In modern Spain and Latin America, decorative 'velas aromáticas' (scented candles) have become extremely popular for home decor, often found in 'tiendas de decoración'.

La vela se consumió lentamente durante la noche, dejando un rastro de cera en la mesa.

When discussing the action of a candle, we use 'derretirse' (to melt) and 'parpadear' (to flicker). If a candle goes out due to wind, we say 'se apagó'. If we do it intentionally, we say 'apagar la vela'.

Social Context: Candles are central to 'Día de los Muertos' (Day of the Dead) in Mexico, where they guide the souls of the departed back to the world of the living.

Puse una vela blanca en la ventana para simbolizar la paz.

No dejes una vela encendida si vas a salir de la habitación.

In the nautical sense, a 'barco de vela' is a sailboat. While this enrichment focuses on the wax cylinder, knowing the nautical connection helps explain idioms like 'en vela' (awake/vigilant) and 'viento en popa a toda vela' (full speed ahead). Historically, candles were made by 'cereros' (candlemakers), a trade that was vital for centuries. Today, 'velas de té' (tealights) are common in modern apartments for their minimalist aesthetic.

Colloquialism: In some regions, 'moco de vela' refers to the drippings of wax, though it's also a humorous way to describe a runny nose in children.

La luz de la vela creaba sombras largas y extrañas en las paredes de la cueva.

Understanding 'vela' involves recognizing its presence in both the physical world (wax, light, fire) and the metaphorical world (time passing, vigilance, hope). Whether you are reading a gothic novel in Spanish or attending a birthday party in Madrid, the 'vela' is a constant companion.

Using vela correctly requires attention to gender, number, and common verbal collocations. As a feminine noun, 'la vela' takes feminine adjectives: 'vela roja', 'vela pequeña', 'vela perfumada'. When you want to describe the act of using a candle, you will primarily use 'encender' (to light) or 'prender' (common in Latin America). To extinguish it, 'apagar' is the universal term, though 'soplar' (to blow) is specific to the action of blowing out birthday candles.

Common Verbs: Encender (to light), Apagar (to extinguish), Soplar (to blow out), Derretir (to melt), Gotear (to drip).

Ella encendió una vela para crear un ambiente relajante mientras leía.

In plural form, 'las velas' often appears in festive contexts. For example, 'las velas del pastel' (the cake candles). If you are describing the state of a candle, you might say it is 'encendida' (lit) or 'apagada' (out). A candle that is almost finished is 'gastada' or 'consumida'.

¿Tienes un encendedor para las velas?

In more advanced sentences, 'vela' appears in the idiom 'quedarse en vela', meaning to stay awake all night. 'Me quedé en vela preocupado por el examen' (I stayed awake worried about the exam). Here, 'vela' doesn't physically refer to a candle but to the act of 'vigil'.

Adjective Agreement: 'Vela' must always match its adjectives in gender. Example: 'Una vela blanca' (A white candle), never 'un vela blanco'.

La vela se apagó de repente por la corriente de aire.

Compré un paquete de velas por si se va la luz durante la tormenta.

When writing about candles in a literary sense, you might use 'llama' (flame) or 'resplandor' (glow). 'La llama de la vela temblaba' (The candle's flame was trembling). The preposition 'a' is often used to describe lighting: 'cenar a la luz de las velas' (to dine by candlelight). This is a very common romantic expression.

Prepositional Phrases: 'A la luz de las velas' (By candlelight), 'Cerca de la vela' (Near the candle), 'Bajo la vela' (Under the sail - nautical).

Es peligroso dejar una vela cerca de las cortinas.

Finally, consider the size. A very large candle used in religious ceremonies is a 'cirio'. A very thin, small candle might be called a 'velita'. Using these diminutives adds a layer of native-like fluency to your Spanish. For instance, 'Pon las velitas en el pastel' sounds more natural at a child's party than using the standard 'velas'.

You will hear vela in a variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly ceremonial. In a typical Spanish household, if the electricity flickers during a storm, someone will inevitably ask, '¿Dónde están las velas?' (Where are the candles?). This is a practical, everyday usage that every A2 learner should master. In retail environments, especially in stores like Zara Home or local 'mercadillos', you will hear people discussing 'velas aromáticas' or 'velas de olor'.

Religious Settings: In churches, you'll hear 'pon una vela al santo' (light a candle for the saint). The crackling of wax and the smell of 'incienso y velas' are iconic sensory experiences in Spain and Latin America.

En la procesión, cada penitente llevaba una vela larga y gruesa.

Another common place to hear the word is during birthday celebrations. The song 'Cumpleaños Feliz' usually ends with the command '¡Sopla las velas!' (Blow out the candles!). This is a joyful, high-frequency context. In nautical environments, particularly in coastal cities like Barcelona, Cádiz, or Cartagena, 'vela' refers to sailing. You might hear 'navegación a vela' (sailing) or 'escuela de vela' (sailing school).

El siete de diciembre, todo el barrio se llena de velas de colores.

In news reports or historical documentaries, you might hear 'vela' in the context of 'velatorios' (wakes). Reporters might say, 'La familia realizó una vela en honor al fallecido'. This links back to the idea of staying awake with the deceased. In literature and poetry, 'vela' is a favorite metaphor for life—short, flickering, and eventually burning out. You'll hear it in songs as well, often representing hope or a guiding light.

Cinematic Usage: In period dramas or horror movies in Spanish, 'velas' are used to create suspense. You might hear characters whisper, 'Cuidado, no apagues la vela'.

La habitación estaba iluminada únicamente por una pequeña vela en el rincón.

El capitán ordenó izar la vela mayor para aprovechar el viento.

Lastly, in the business world, 'velas japonesas' (Japanese candlesticks) is the technical term for the charts used in stock market analysis. While this is a niche context, it shows how the shape of the wax candle has influenced modern terminology across different fields. Whether it's a birthday, a storm, a prayer, or a stock chart, 'vela' is a word that resonates through all levels of Spanish society.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with vela is confusing it with its masculine counterpart, el velo. While 'la vela' is a candle (or a sail), 'el velo' is a veil, such as one worn by a bride or a nun. Confusing these two can lead to very strange sentences, like saying a bride wore a 'vela' on her head!

Gender Confusion: Incorrect: 'El vela está encendido'. Correct: 'La vela está encendida'. Adjectives must also be feminine.
Noun vs. Verb: 'Vela' is also the third-person singular of the verb 'velar'. Context is key to distinguishing 'He/She watches' from 'The candle'.

No confundas la vela (candle) con el velo (veil).

Another mistake involves the word for spark plug. English speakers might assume 'vela' works for everything that 'sparks' or gives light, but in a car, you must use 'bujía'. Using 'vela' in a mechanic's shop will likely result in a confused look. Similarly, learners often forget that 'vela' is used for the sail of a boat. If you are talking about sailing and use 'candela', people might understand you, but it sounds archaic or overly poetic.

Dije que quería una vela, no un vuelo a París.

In terms of verbs, English speakers often translate 'to blow out' literally. While 'soplar la vela' is correct for birthday candles, for a general candle, 'apagar la vela' is more common. Using 'explotar' or 'terminar' for a candle going out is incorrect; use 'apagarse' or 'consumirse'.

Spelling Errors: Mistaking 'vela' for 'bella' (beautiful). They sound similar in some dialects where 'v' and 'b' are identical, but the meaning is entirely different.

La vela es bella, pero no son la misma palabra.

¿Por qué me estás dando vela? (Why are you watching/snooping on me? - Slang)

Lastly, don't confuse 'vela' with 'veladora'. While used interchangeably in many places, 'veladora' almost always implies a candle in a glass or plastic container, often for religious purposes. If you ask for a 'vela' but want a votive candle in a jar, you might get the wrong type. Paying attention to these subtle differences will make your Spanish sound much more authentic and prevent embarrassing misunderstandings.

Spanish offers several alternatives to vela, depending on the size, purpose, and regional dialect. Understanding these nuances is key to moving from A2 to B1. The most common alternative is candela. While 'vela' is standard, 'candela' is often used in the south of Spain and parts of Latin America to refer to fire in general or a small candle.

Vela vs. Cirio: A 'vela' is a standard candle. A 'cirio' is a large, thick candle used in religious processions or on altars. Carrying a 'cirio' is a serious commitment during Holy Week.
Vela vs. Veladora: In Mexico and Central America, 'veladora' refers to candles in glass containers, often with images of saints.

El cirio pascual es la vela más grande de la iglesia.

Another word you might encounter is hachón, which refers to a large torch or a very thick candle. For those interested in home decor, you might hear velón, which is simply a large candle, usually decorative and thick. In a more metaphorical or archaic sense, lumbre can mean light or fire, but it's not a direct synonym for the object 'candle'.

Puse un velón perfumado en el centro de la mesa.

When comparing 'vela' to 'sail', synonyms include velamen, which refers to the entire set of sails on a ship. This is a collective noun. If you are talking about the light source specifically, 'luz' is the most general term. 'La luz de la vela' is the light of the candle.

Vela vs. Mecha: Don't confuse the whole object (vela) with its part, the wick (mecha). 'La mecha de la vela es corta'.

Necesitamos cambiar la mecha de este velón.

¡Dame candela! (Give me a light/fire! - Informal)

In summary, while 'vela' is your go-to word for any wax candle, being aware of 'cirio' for church, 'veladora' for jars, and 'velitas' for birthdays will significantly enrich your vocabulary. Each word carries a specific cultural weight that 'vela' alone cannot always convey. By choosing the right synonym, you show a deeper understanding of Spanish social and religious life.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word for 'candle' and 'sail' is the same in Spanish because both were associated with things that are 'spread out' or 'revealed' by light or wind.

دليل النطق

UK /ˈbe.la/

US /ˈbe.la/

The stress is on the first syllable: VE-la.

يتقافى مع

tela mela suela abuela escuela cazuela acuarela parcela

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (fricative).
Confusing it with 'bella' (though they sound identical in many regions).
Making the 'e' too long like 'ay'.
Adding an 's' at the end when singular.
Misplacing the stress on the last syllable.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

الكتابة 2/5

Easy, but remember the 'v' spelling.

التحدث 2/5

Requires practice for the soft 'b' sound.

الاستماع 2/5

Can be confused with 'bella' or 'velo'.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

luz fuego casa pastel barco

تعلّم لاحقاً

velar cera mecha velero incendio

متقدم

velamen cirio velorio fluctuar penumbra

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Feminine Noun Agreement

La vela roja (not el vela rojo).

Pluralization

Una vela -> Dos velas.

Ser vs Estar with state

La vela está encendida (current state).

Diminutives

Velita (adds affection or indicates small size).

Prepositional usage

A la luz de las velas.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

La vela es azul.

The candle is blue.

Feminine noun 'la vela' matches the feminine adjective 'azul' (neutral gender for adjective).

Tengo una vela en mi mano.

I have a candle in my hand.

Uses the indefinite article 'una'.

¿Dónde está la vela?

Where is the candle?

Simple question with 'estar' for location.

Hay tres velas en el pastel.

There are three candles on the cake.

Plural form 'velas'.

La vela da luz.

The candle gives light.

Subject-verb-object structure.

Me gusta esta vela.

I like this candle.

Uses 'gustar' with a singular subject.

La vela es pequeña.

The candle is small.

Adjective agreement (feminine).

Mamá compra una vela.

Mom buys a candle.

Present tense verb 'comprar'.

Apaga la vela antes de dormir.

Turn off the candle before sleeping.

Imperative form 'apaga'.

Necesito un encendedor para la vela.

I need a lighter for the candle.

Noun phrase 'para la vela'.

La vela se derrite lentamente.

The candle melts slowly.

Reflexive verb 'derretirse'.

Ella sopló las velas de su cumpleaños.

She blew out her birthday candles.

Preterite tense 'sopló'.

Hay muchas velas aromáticas aquí.

There are many scented candles here.

Adjective 'aromáticas' in plural.

El barco de vela es muy bonito.

The sailboat is very pretty.

Nautical meaning of 'vela'.

La luz de la vela es muy suave.

The candlelight is very soft.

Genitive construction with 'de'.

No dejes la vela encendida.

Don't leave the candle lit.

Negative imperative 'no dejes'.

Anoche me quedé en vela estudiando.

Last night I stayed awake studying.

Idiom 'quedarse en vela'.

La mecha de la vela es demasiado corta.

The candle's wick is too short.

Vocabulary: 'mecha'.

Pusieron velas en las tumbas para el Día de Muertos.

They put candles on the graves for the Day of the Dead.

Cultural context.

La vela parpadeaba por el viento.

The candle was flickering because of the wind.

Imperfect tense for description.

Prefiero cenar a la luz de las velas.

I prefer to dine by candlelight.

Phrase 'a la luz de'.

La cera de la vela manchó el mantel.

The candle wax stained the tablecloth.

Vocabulary: 'cera'.

El marinero ajustó la vela para ir más rápido.

The sailor adjusted the sail to go faster.

Nautical context.

Compré una veladora para la Virgen.

I bought a votive candle for the Virgin.

Specific noun 'veladora'.

La vela simboliza la esperanza en medio de la oscuridad.

The candle symbolizes hope in the midst of darkness.

Abstract usage.

No deberías meterte donde no tienes vela en este entierro.

You shouldn't meddle where you have no business.

Idiom: 'tener vela en este entierro'.

El viento soplaba a toda vela hacia el norte.

The wind was blowing at full sail toward the north.

Idiom: 'a toda vela'.

La procesión avanzaba con miles de cirios encendidos.

The procession moved forward with thousands of lit candles.

Synonym 'cirio'.

La vela se consumió por completo tras varias horas.

The candle burnt out completely after several hours.

Verb 'consumirse'.

Es un experto en la navegación a vela.

He is an expert in sailing.

Noun phrase 'navegación a vela'.

La habitación olía a vainilla gracias a la vela.

The room smelled like vanilla thanks to the candle.

Causal phrase 'gracias a'.

La llama de la vela proyectaba sombras chinescas.

The candle flame cast shadow puppets.

Descriptive literary language.

El velamen del bergantín estaba seriamente dañado.

The brigantine's sails were seriously damaged.

Advanced term 'velamen'.

Pasó la noche en vela, atormentado por sus remordimientos.

He spent the night awake, tormented by his regrets.

Metaphorical 'en vela'.

La tenue luz de la vela apenas alcanzaba a iluminar el manuscrito.

The dim light of the candle barely managed to illuminate the manuscript.

Advanced adverb 'apenas'.

Fue una velada inolvidable a la luz de las velas.

It was an unforgettable evening by candlelight.

Related word 'velada' (evening/soiree).

El candelero sostenía una vela de cera de abeja pura.

The candlestick held a candle made of pure beeswax.

Vocabulary: 'candelero'.

La vela se apagó con un último estertor de humo gris.

The candle went out with a final gasp of gray smoke.

Poetic description.

Navegaban a palo seco, sin una sola vela desplegada.

They were sailing with bare poles, without a single sail deployed.

Maritime idiom.

El artista capturó magistralmente el parpadeo de la vela.

The artist masterfully captured the flickering of the candle.

Advanced adverb 'magistralmente'.

La ontología del ser se desvanece como una vela al viento.

The ontology of being fades like a candle in the wind.

Philosophical metaphor.

Las velas japonesas indicaban una tendencia bajista en el mercado.

The Japanese candlesticks indicated a bearish trend in the market.

Technical financial term.

Su vida fue una vela que ardió por ambos extremos.

His life was a candle that burned at both ends.

Complex literary idiom.

El ritual exigía siete velas de sebo dispuestas en círculo.

The ritual required seven tallow candles arranged in a circle.

Historical vocabulary 'sebo' (tallow).

La vigilia se mantuvo con velas que desafiaban la gélida brisa.

The vigil was maintained with candles that defied the freezing breeze.

Formal register.

A toda vela, el navío surcaba las embravecidas aguas del Atlántico.

At full sail, the ship plowed through the raging waters of the Atlantic.

Epic literary style.

No es más que una vela en la inmensidad del vacío cósmico.

It is nothing more than a candle in the immensity of the cosmic vacuum.

Existential metaphor.

La mecha, ya carbonizada, se hundió en el pozo de cera líquida.

The wick, already charred, sank into the pool of liquid wax.

Highly descriptive technical language.

تلازمات شائعة

encender una vela

apagar la vela

vela aromática

luz de vela

soplar las velas

vela de cera

quedarse en vela

barco de vela

vela encendida

vela derretida

العبارات الشائعة

A toda vela

— At full speed or very successfully.

El negocio va a toda vela.

En vela

— To be awake or keeping watch.

Pasé la noche en vela.

Dar vela

— To give someone a say in something (often used negatively).

Nadie te ha dado vela en este asunto.

Viento en popa a toda vela

— Things are going perfectly and quickly.

Mi proyecto va viento en popa a toda vela.

Estar en vela

— To be vigilant or waiting.

Estamos en vela por los resultados.

Vela de té

— Tealight candle.

Pon unas velas de té en el baño.

Vela de cumpleaños

— Birthday candle.

Faltan las velas de cumpleaños.

Vela misionera

— A long candle used in religious missions.

Llevaba una vela misionera.

Vela de sebo

— Tallow candle (old fashioned).

Antiguamente usaban velas de sebo.

Vela rizada

— A decorative curled candle.

Es una vela rizada muy cara.

يُخلط عادةً مع

vela vs velo

El velo is a veil; la vela is a candle.

vela vs bella

Bella means beautiful; vela is a candle (homophones in some regions).

vela vs vuelo

Vuelo means flight; vela is a candle.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"No tener vela en este entierro"

— To have no business in a matter.

Tú no tienes vela en este entierro, así que cállate.

informal

"Quedarse en vela"

— To stay awake all night.

Me quedé en vela por los nervios.

neutral

"Viento en popa a toda vela"

— Going very well.

Su carrera va viento en popa a toda vela.

neutral

"Poner una vela a Dios y otra al diablo"

— To try to please two opposing sides.

Él siempre pone una vela a Dios y otra al diablo.

colloquial

"Darse vela"

— To give oneself importance.

Se da mucha vela desde que lo ascendieron.

informal

"Arriar las velas"

— To give up or lower one's expectations.

Ante la crisis, tuvo que arriar las velas.

figurative

"A vela y remo"

— With great effort using all means possible.

Sacamos el proyecto a vela y remo.

literary

"Mantenerse en vela"

— To stay alert.

El guardia se mantuvo en vela.

formal

"Ser un moco de vela"

— To be something insignificant (or referring to wax drippings).

Ese problema es un moco de vela.

slang

"Luz de vela"

— Candlelight (often implying romance).

Todo es mejor a la luz de vela.

neutral

سهل الخلط

vela vs bujía

Both relate to light.

Bujía is a spark plug or an old light unit; vela is a wax candle.

El coche necesita una bujía nueva.

vela vs candela

Often used as synonyms.

Candela is more informal/regional and can mean fire in general.

Pon la carne a la candela.

vela vs velero

Related root.

Velero is a sailboat or a candlemaker; vela is the candle/sail itself.

El velero navega por el Caribe.

vela vs velorio

Related root.

Velorio is a wake for the dead; vela is the candle used there.

Fuimos al velorio de mi abuelo.

vela vs mecha

Part of a candle.

Mecha is the wick; vela is the whole object.

Corta la mecha de la vela.

أنماط الجُمل

La vela es [color].

La vela es verde.

Hay [número] velas en [lugar].

Hay cinco velas en la mesa.

Cenamos a la luz de las velas.

Cenamos a la luz de las velas anoche.

Pasar la noche en vela.

Pasé la noche en vela por el ruido.

El barco va a toda vela.

El barco va a toda vela por el mar.

La vela se consumió hasta la mecha.

La vela se consumió hasta la mecha antes del alba.

No tener vela en este entierro.

Yo no tengo vela en este entierro, así que me voy.

El velamen se hinchó con el viento.

El velamen se hinchó con el viento huracanado.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

velón

veladora

velamen

velatorio

velada

الأفعال

velar

desvelar

revelar

الصفات

velado

desvelado

مرتبط

cera

mecha

llama

fuego

luz

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

High (Top 2000 words)

أخطاء شائعة

El vela → La vela
Vela is always feminine.
Soplar el velo → Soplar la vela
Velo is a veil, not a candle.
La vela es blanco → La vela es blanca
Adjectives must match the feminine gender.
Estoy en velo → Estoy en vela
The idiom for staying awake uses 'vela'.
Encender una bujía → Encender una vela
Don't use the word for spark plug for a candle.

نصائح

Use Diminutives

Use 'velita' to sound more affectionate and native during celebrations.

Gender Check

Always pair 'vela' with feminine adjectives like 'blanca' or 'pequeña'.

Religious Context

Understand that 'poner una vela' is a common spiritual practice in Spanish culture.

Double Meaning

Remember 'vela' also means 'sail'—context is your best friend.

Stay Awake

Use 'en vela' when you want to say you couldn't sleep.

Soft B

Pronounce the 'v' in 'vela' with your lips together, not teeth on lips.

Safety First

Always say 'apagar la vela' before leaving a room in your Spanish stories.

Buying Candles

Ask for 'velas aromáticas' if you want scented ones for your home.

Etymology

Knowing it comes from 'vigil' helps you remember the 'staying awake' meaning.

Birthdays

The phrase '¡Sopla las velas!' is essential for any Spanish birthday party.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'Vela' as a 'Veil' of light in the dark.

ربط بصري

Imagine a sailboat where the sails are made of giant wax candles.

Word Web

Cera Mecha Fuego Luz Noche Barco Mar Santo

تحدٍّ

Try to find 5 different types of 'velas' in a store and name their colors in Spanish.

أصل الكلمة

From Latin 'vela', which is the plural of 'velum' (cloth, sail), and also influenced by 'vigilia' (watching).

المعنى الأصلي: Sails or the act of keeping watch at night with a light.

Romance (Latin)

السياق الثقافي

Be respectful when discussing 'velas' in religious contexts, as they are sacred to many.

English speakers use candles mostly for decor or birthdays, but in Spanish cultures, they are more frequently used for daily prayer and specific festivals.

Día de las Velitas (Colombia) Velas de la Semana Santa (Spain) Ofrendas de Día de Muertos (Mexico)

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Birthday Party

Soplar las velas
Velas de cumpleaños
Poner las velas
Deseo al soplar

Religious Event

Poner una vela
Vela bendecida
Cirio pascual
Encender una vela

Power Outage

Buscar las velas
Encender una vela
No hay luz
Luz de vela

Romantic Dinner

Cena a la luz de las velas
Velas aromáticas
Ambiente íntimo
Velas rojas

Sailing

Izar la vela
Barco de vela
Navegación a vela
A toda vela

بدايات محادثة

"¿Te gusta decorar tu casa con velas aromáticas?"

"¿Qué haces cuando se va la luz, usas velas o una linterna?"

"¿Cuántas velas pusiste en tu último pastel de cumpleaños?"

"¿Has viajado alguna vez en un barco de vela?"

"¿Sabes por qué la gente pone velas en las iglesias?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Describe una noche que pasaste en vela y explica por qué no podías dormir.

Escribe sobre una tradición de tu país que use velas o fuego.

Imagina que estás en un barco de vela en medio del océano. ¿Cómo te sientes?

Describe el olor y el color de tu vela favorita.

¿Crees que las velas son mejores que las bombillas para crear un ambiente especial? ¿Por qué?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Es femenina: la vela. Nunca digas 'el vela'.

Se dice 'velas de cumpleaños' o comúnmente 'velitas'.

Sí, en contextos náuticos 'vela' significa la pieza de tela de un barco.

Es un modismo que significa no dormir en toda la noche.

Un cirio es una vela mucho más grande y gruesa, usada en iglesias.

Se dice 'vela aromática' o 'vela con olor'.

No, para eso se usa 'bujía'.

Significa muy rápido o con mucho éxito.

Se dice 'encender una vela' o 'prender una vela'.

Es una vela que viene dentro de un vaso de vidrio.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات