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A2 verb #3,000 가장 일반적인 11분 분량

brillar

상위 3,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 brillar 30초 만에

설명 brillar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'brillar' is taught as a basic verb to describe the weather and common objects. Students learn that 'el sol brilla' (the sun shines) and 'las estrellas brillan' (the stars shine). It is introduced as a regular '-ar' verb, making it a perfect example for practicing present tense conjugations: yo brillo, tú brillas, él brilla. At this stage, the focus is entirely on physical light. Learners are encouraged to use it in simple descriptive sentences about nature or their immediate environment. For instance, 'Mi anillo brilla' (My ring shines). The goal is to build a foundation where the student associates the word with visual brightness. They might also learn the adjective 'brillante' to describe things that are shiny. Simple exercises involve matching the verb with nouns like 'sol', 'luna', or 'oro'. The emphasis is on clear, literal meanings and basic sentence structures. By the end of A1, a student should be able to say if the sun is shining today or if a toy is shiny.

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At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'brillar' in more varied contexts, including the past and future tenses. They learn to describe things that were cleaned, such as 'El suelo brilla porque lo limpié' (The floor shines because I cleaned it). This introduces the idea of 'brillar' as a result of an action. The concept of metaphorical shining also starts to appear, particularly in the context of talent or standing out in a simple way, like 'Él brilla en la clase de música' (He shines in music class). A2 students are expected to handle common adverbs like 'mucho', 'poco', or 'intensamente' to modify the verb. They also encounter the first common idioms, such as 'no es oro todo lo que brilla'. Exercises at this level often involve short narrations about a sunny day or a party where someone was the star. The focus shifts from just identifying light to describing the quality and impact of that light in everyday life. Students also learn to distinguish 'brillar' from 'alumbrar' in basic scenarios.

At the B1 level, 'brillar' is used to express more complex emotions and abstract ideas. Students learn that eyes can 'brillar de alegría' (shine with joy) or 'brillar de rabia' (shine with rage). This level introduces the nuances of the imperfect vs. preterite tenses with 'brillar', allowing students to describe ongoing atmospheres versus sudden events. The metaphorical use becomes more prominent; a student might discuss a historical figure who 'brilló por su valentía' (shone for their bravery). B1 learners also start using 'brillar' in the subjunctive mood to express wishes or hypothetical situations, such as 'Espero que brilles en tu entrevista' (I hope you shine in your interview). They are introduced to a wider range of synonyms like 'relucir' and 'destellar', learning when one is more appropriate than the other. Writing assignments might include describing a landscape or a person's character using light-related metaphors. The vocabulary expands to include word family members like 'brillantez' (brilliance/shrewdness).

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At the B2 level, students are expected to use 'brillar' with a high degree of precision and cultural awareness. They master the idiom 'brillar por su ausencia' and can use it ironically in conversation or writing. They understand the difference between 'brillar' and 'resplandecer' or 'refulgir', using the latter for more intense or literary descriptions. B2 learners can discuss abstract concepts like 'la brillantez de una teoría' (the brilliance of a theory) or how an artist 'brilló en su época'. They are comfortable using 'brillar' in all complex tenses, including the conditional and the perfect subjunctives. The focus at this level is on stylistic variety; instead of always using 'brillar', they might choose 'destacar' or 'sobresalir' depending on the register. They also learn about the cultural significance of light in Hispanic art and literature, such as the use of light in Velázquez's paintings. Exercises involve analyzing texts or participating in debates where they must use 'brillar' and its synonyms to argue a point or describe a phenomenon.

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At the C1 level, 'brillar' is used with sophisticated nuance, often in literary, academic, or professional contexts. Students explore the word's role in poetic imagery and historical analysis. They can differentiate between the 'brillo' of a physical object and the 'brillantez' of an intellectual achievement with ease. C1 learners are expected to recognize and use 'brillar' in complex idiomatic structures and understand its connotations in different Spanish-speaking regions. They might analyze how the word is used in the 'Siglo de Oro' literature to represent honor or divinity. At this stage, the student uses 'brillar' to add color and precision to their speech, choosing it or its high-level synonyms (like 'fulgurar') to create specific effects. They can write detailed critiques or essays where 'brillar' is used to describe the excellence of a work or the charisma of a leader. The focus is on mastery of register and the ability to use the word to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between a 'brillante' career and a 'resplandeciente' future.

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At the C2 level, the learner has a native-like command of 'brillar'. They can use the word in its most abstract and philosophical senses, discussing 'el brillo de la existencia' or the 'refulgencia de la verdad'. They are aware of the etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved in the Spanish language. A C2 student can play with the word, using it in wordplay, puns, or complex metaphors that require deep cultural knowledge. They can effortlessly switch between the literal, the metaphorical, and the ironic uses of the word. They are also masters of the entire word family and can use rare synonyms like 'irisar' or 'tornasolar' when appropriate. At this level, 'brillar' is not just a vocabulary word but a tool for creative expression. The learner can appreciate and produce high-level literature or oratory where 'brillar' serves as a central motif. They understand the subtle social implications when someone is described as 'brillante' versus 'lúcido' or 'genio'. Mastery is shown through perfect placement, timing, and selection of the word in any given context.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

brillar 30초 만에

Brillar means to shine or reflect light physically.
It is a regular -ar verb, easy to conjugate.
Metaphorically, it means to stand out or excel in a field.
Commonly used in idioms like 'brillar por su ausencia'.

The Spanish verb brillar is a versatile and evocative term that primarily describes the physical act of emitting or reflecting light. At its most basic level, it is the word you use when the sun is high in the sky, when a diamond catches the light, or when a polished floor looks like a mirror. However, its usage extends far beyond the physical realm into the metaphorical, describing individuals who stand out in their field, eyes that convey deep emotion, or even the conspicuous absence of something expected. Understanding brillar requires recognizing that it is not just about 'shining' in a literal sense, but about prominence and excellence.

Physical Luminosity: This is the primary usage. It refers to stars (las estrellas), the sun (el sol), or artificial lights. If an object has a polished surface, like a car or a piece of jewelry, it 'brilla' because it reflects the light around it.

El sol comenzó a brillar intensamente después de la tormenta.

Metaphorical Excellence: In a social or professional context, someone 'brilla' when they perform exceptionally well. A student might shine in an exam, or an athlete might shine on the field. It implies being the center of positive attention due to skill or talent.

Ella siempre logra brillar en las presentaciones de la empresa.

In literature and daily conversation, brillar is often paired with eyes. When someone is happy or excited, their eyes 'brillan'. This is a common way to describe emotional states in Spanish-speaking cultures, where the face is seen as a direct reflection of the soul's light. Furthermore, the word carries a sense of cleanliness and order; a house that 'brilla' is one that is impeccably clean, often described as 'brillante como una patena' (clean as a whistle).

Sus ojos empezaron a brillar de alegría al ver el regalo.

Abstract Brilliance: Ideas, solutions, and historical periods can also 'brillar'. The 'Siglo de Oro' is a period where Spanish art and literature shone brightly on the world stage. It suggests a peak of quality or influence.

Esa idea va a brillar por su originalidad en el concurso.

Finally, the word is deeply embedded in Spanish idioms. Beyond the 'ausencia' phrase mentioned earlier, people might say 'no es oro todo lo que brilla' (not all that glitters is gold), a classic proverb cautioning against being deceived by outward appearances. This reinforces the idea that 'brillar' is a powerful visual cue that can sometimes be misleading if not scrutinized.

Recuerda que no todo lo que brilla es oro en este negocio.

Using brillar correctly involves understanding its syntactic role as an intransitive verb. This means it typically does not take a direct object. You don't 'brillar' something; instead, something 'brilla'. If you want to say you made something shine, you would use 'sacar brillo' or 'hacer brillar'. This distinction is crucial for English speakers who might be tempted to use it transitively like 'to shine shoes'.

Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject is usually the source of the light or the person excelling. 'Las estrellas brillan' (The stars shine) or 'Juan brilla' (Juan shines). The verb agrees with the number and person of the subject.

Las luces de la ciudad brillan desde la montaña.

Using Adverbs: To describe the intensity or manner of the shining, we use adverbs like 'intensamente', 'fuertemente', 'tenuemente' (dimly), or 'con fuerza'. This adds depth to the description.

La luna brillaba tenuemente tras las nubes.

When talking about people 'shining' in a social context, we often use the preposition 'en' to specify the area of expertise. 'Brillar en los estudios' (to shine in studies) or 'brillar en el escenario' (to shine on stage). This construction highlights the environment where the person's talent becomes evident. It is also common to see it used with 'por', indicating the reason for the brilliance, such as 'brillar por su inteligencia'.

Él brilló por su elocuencia durante el debate.

The Passive/Causative Use: If you want to say 'I made the floor shine', you say 'Hice brillar el suelo'. You cannot say 'Brillé el suelo'. This is a common error for English speakers because 'to shine' can be transitive in English.

El joyero hizo brillar el diamante nuevamente.

In poetic or elevated language, brillar can be used to describe hope, truth, or justice. 'La verdad brillará' (The truth will shine/come to light). This usage links light with clarity and moral correctness, a common theme in Western literature. Using it in this way adds a level of sophistication to your Spanish, showing that you understand the cultural weight of the word.

La esperanza vuelve a brillar en sus corazones.

You will encounter brillar in a wide array of contexts, from the most mundane to the most sublime. In everyday life, the most common place is likely the weather report. Meteorologists will often say 'El sol brillará durante todo el fin de semana' (The sun will shine all weekend). It is a staple of meteorological vocabulary, providing a positive contrast to 'nublado' (cloudy) or 'lluvioso' (rainy).

In Music and Lyrics: Spanish-language pop and folk music are filled with 'brillar'. Whether it's the stars shining over a lover's head or a person's eyes shining with tears, the word is a favorite for songwriters due to its romantic and visual associations. It rhymes easily with 'amar', 'cantar', and 'soñar'.

'Tú me haces brillar como una estrella', dice la canción.

In Sports Commentary: When a player has an outstanding game, commentators will say they 'brillaron en el campo'. This is especially common in football (soccer) coverage in Spain and Latin America. It highlights individual performance within a team setting.

Messi volvió a brillar con dos goles espectaculares.

In the workplace, you might hear it during performance reviews or team meetings. A manager might encourage a subordinate by saying, 'Este es tu momento de brillar' (This is your moment to shine). It serves as a powerful motivational tool, suggesting that the person has latent potential that is about to become visible to everyone. It is also used in advertising for cleaning products, jewelry, and skincare, promising to make your 'suelo', 'anillo', or 'piel' shine.

Este detergente hará brillar tu vajilla como nunca.

In Literature: From Cervantes to García Márquez, 'brillar' is used to describe the landscape of the Hispanic world. The 'sol brillante' of the Caribbean or the 'armadura brillante' of Don Quijote are iconic images that use the word to create vivid, light-filled scenes.

La ciudad brillaba bajo el sol del mediodía.

Lastly, you'll hear it in the popular idiom 'brillar por su ausencia'. If a politician misses a crucial vote, the news might report that they 'brillaron por su ausencia'. This ironic use is very common in journalism and intellectual discourse to point out a glaring omission or lack of participation.

La honestidad brilla por su ausencia en esta conversación.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with brillar is trying to use it transitively. In English, you can 'shine a flashlight' or 'shine your shoes'. In Spanish, you cannot 'brillar una linterna' or 'brillar los zapatos'. For a flashlight, you would use 'alumbrar' (to light up) or 'apuntar' (to point). For shoes, you would use 'limpiar' (to clean) or 'sacar brillo' (to bring out the shine). Using brillar transitively is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.

Confusion with 'Alumbrar': 'Alumbrar' means to provide light to an area (like a lamp), whereas 'brillar' means the object itself is emitting or reflecting light. A lamp 'brilla' (is bright), but it 'alumbra la habitación' (lights up the room).

No digas 'brillé la linterna', di 'alumbré con la linterna'.

Confusion with 'Lucir': 'Lucir' can mean to shine, but it more often means 'to show off' or 'to look good'. While a person can 'brillar' (stand out), they 'lucen un vestido' (show off a dress). 'Lucir' is about appearance and display, while 'brillar' is about the light itself.

Ella luce muy bien hoy, pero su talento la hace brillar.

Another mistake is the misuse of prepositions. Some learners use 'brillar con' when they should use 'brillar por'. While 'brillar con luz propia' (to shine with one's own light) is a standard phrase, 'brillar por su ausencia' is a set idiom. Mixing these up can lead to sentences that sound unnatural. Additionally, learners often forget that 'brillar' is a regular verb and try to apply irregular patterns from other 'light' verbs like 'encender'.

Incorrecto: 'Él briella'. Correcto: 'Él brilla'.

Overuse of 'Brillar': Learners often use 'brillar' for everything light-related. However, for a flickering light, 'parpadear' is better. For a sudden flash, 'destellar' is more accurate. Expanding your vocabulary for light will make your Spanish more precise.

La luz de la ambulancia no brilla, parpadea.

Finally, avoid using 'brillar' when you mean 'to light a fire' or 'to turn on a light'. For those actions, the correct verbs are 'encender' or 'prender'. 'Brillar' is the state of being bright, not the action of initiating light. Keeping this distinction clear will help you avoid the most common 'Spanglish' pitfalls associated with this word.

No puedes 'brillar' una vela; tienes que 'encenderla' para que brille.

Spanish is a language rich in nuances, especially when it comes to light. While brillar is the general term, several alternatives can provide more specific imagery. Understanding these will elevate your descriptive abilities. For example, resplandecer implies a more intense, almost divine or overwhelming light. It is often used for the sun at its peak or for someone's face when they are overcome with joy.

Brillar vs. Resplandecer: While both mean to shine, 'resplandecer' is stronger. 'Brillar' is a diamond; 'resplandecer' is the glory of a sunrise. 'Resplandecer' also carries a connotation of radiating light outward.

Su rostro resplandecía de felicidad el día de su boda.

Brillar vs. Destellar: 'Destellar' refers to intermittent, quick flashes of light. Think of a lighthouse or a camera flash. 'Brillar' is constant; 'destellar' is rhythmic or sudden.

El faro destella en la oscuridad del mar.

Another important word is relucir. This is often used for things that are newly cleaned or polished. If you polish your car, it will 'relucir'. It is also used in the idiom 'sacar a relucir', which means to bring something up in conversation, often a topic that was hidden or forgotten. This metaphorical use is very common in debates or arguments.

Sacó a relucir viejos problemas durante la cena.

Brillar vs. Centellear: 'Centellear' is specifically for the twinkling of stars or the sparkling of wine in a glass. It implies many small, rapid points of light.

Las estrellas centellean en el cielo despejado.

Finally, refulgir and fulgurar are more dramatic and poetic. They suggest a brilliance that is almost blinding or aggressive. You might find these in epic poetry or intense descriptions of fire and lightning. While you won't hear them much in the supermarket, knowing them will help you appreciate classic Spanish literature and high-level journalism.

El metal de la espada refulgía bajo la luna.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word is related to 'beryl', the mineral. In the Middle Ages, beryl was used to make early magnifying glasses, which is why 'brillar' implies clarity and light.

발음 가이드

UK /briˈʎar/

US /briˈʝar/

The stress is on the last syllable: bri-LLAR.

라임이 맞는 단어

cantar amar lugar hablar soñar mar estelar solar

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'll' as an English 'l'
Stressing the first syllable
Missing the rolled 'r' at the end
Pronouncing 'i' as 'ai'
Making the 'b' too hard like an English 'b'

난이도

독해 2/5

Very common and easy to recognize in texts.

쓰기 3/5

Easy to conjugate, but transitive use is a common trap.

말하기 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though 'll' varies by region.

듣기 2/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

Sol Luz Oro Estrella Limpiar

다음에 배울 것

Resplandecer Destellar Alumbrar Lucir Relucir

고급

Fulgurar Refulgir Centellear Irisar Abrillantar

알아야 할 문법

Regular -ar verb conjugation

Yo brillo, tú brillas, él brilla...

Intransitive nature

Something 'brilla', you don't 'brilla' something.

Causative with 'hacer'

Hacer brillar los zapatos.

Adverbial modification

Brillar intensamente / tenuemente.

Subjunctive mood for wishes

Espero que brilles hoy.

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수준별 예문

El sol brilla hoy.

The sun shines today.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Las estrellas brillan mucho.

The stars shine a lot.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Mi reloj brilla en la oscuridad.

My watch shines in the dark.

Use of 'en' for location.

El oro brilla.

Gold shines.

Simple subject-verb structure.

Tus zapatos brillan.

Your shoes shine.

Plural subject agreement.

La luna brilla en la noche.

The moon shines at night.

Standard time phrase 'en la noche'.

La joya brilla mucho.

The jewel shines a lot.

Adverb 'mucho' modifying the verb.

El coche brilla después de lavarlo.

The car shines after washing it.

Infinitive 'lavarlo' after preposition 'de'.

Ayer el sol brilló todo el día.

Yesterday the sun shone all day.

Preterite tense for a completed action.

Ella brilla en su clase de baile.

She shines in her dance class.

Metaphorical use for talent.

Los cristales brillan bajo la luz.

The crystals shine under the light.

Preposition 'bajo' (under).

Mis ojos brillan cuando estoy feliz.

My eyes shine when I am happy.

Conditional 'cuando' clause.

El actor brilló en la película.

The actor shone in the movie.

Preterite for a specific performance.

No todo lo que brilla es oro.

Not everything that shines is gold.

Common proverb.

Las luces de la ciudad brillan a lo lejos.

The city lights shine in the distance.

Phrase 'a lo lejos'.

Hice brillar la plata de la abuela.

I made grandma's silver shine.

Causative 'hacer + infinitive'.

Sus ojos brillaban de emoción al recibir la noticia.

Her eyes were shining with emotion upon receiving the news.

Imperfect for a descriptive state.

Espero que brilles en tu nueva empresa.

I hope you shine in your new company.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

La verdad brillará al final del juicio.

The truth will shine at the end of the trial.

Future tense for abstract concept.

Él brilló por su ausencia en la reunión familiar.

He was conspicuous by his absence at the family meeting.

Idiomatic use of 'brillar por su ausencia'.

La superficie del lago brillaba como un espejo.

The lake's surface was shining like a mirror.

Simile using 'como'.

Siempre has brillado por tu inteligencia.

You have always shone for your intelligence.

Present perfect tense.

Si limpias más, la casa brillará.

If you clean more, the house will shine.

First conditional structure.

Las medallas brillaban en el pecho del soldado.

The medals were shining on the soldier's chest.

Imperfect tense for description.

El equipo brilló con luz propia durante el torneo.

The team shone with its own light during the tournament.

Idiom 'brillar con luz propia'.

Aunque no ganara, su talento brilló intensamente.

Even if he didn't win, his talent shone intensely.

Concessive clause with 'aunque'.

La ciudad brillaba con el reflejo de los fuegos artificiales.

The city was shining with the reflection of the fireworks.

Noun 'reflejo' related to the verb.

Es necesario que brilles en la presentación de mañana.

It is necessary that you shine in tomorrow's presentation.

Impersonal expression with subjunctive.

Su carrera empezó a brillar tras aquel descubrimiento.

His career began to shine after that discovery.

Metaphorical use for professional success.

Las luciérnagas brillan en las noches de verano.

Fireflies shine on summer nights.

Specific noun 'luciérnagas'.

No dejes que nadie apague lo que te hace brillar.

Don't let anyone extinguish what makes you shine.

Negative imperative + subjunctive.

El metal refulgía, pero él prefirió decir que solo brillaba.

The metal was gleaming, but he preferred to say it was only shining.

Contrast between 'refulgir' and 'brillar'.

Su oratoria brilló por su precisión y elegancia.

His oratory shone for its precision and elegance.

Formal register.

La justicia debe brillar por encima de los intereses personales.

Justice must shine above personal interests.

Modal verb 'debe' + infinitive.

Aquel periodo histórico brilló por sus avances científicos.

That historical period shone for its scientific advances.

Historical context.

La mirada le brillaba con una intensidad inquietante.

His gaze was shining with a disturbing intensity.

Indirect object pronoun 'le' for possession.

El autor brilla en el manejo de la ironía.

The author shines in the handling of irony.

Literary criticism context.

Las cúpulas de la catedral brillan al atardecer.

The cathedral domes shine at sunset.

Specific architectural term 'cúpulas'.

Si hubiera entrenado más, habría brillado en la final.

If he had trained more, he would have shone in the final.

Third conditional (past unreal).

Su ausencia brilló por lo inesperado del suceso.

His absence was conspicuous due to the unexpectedness of the event.

Advanced use of the 'ausencia' idiom.

La refulgencia del sol hacía que todo lo demás dejara de brillar.

The radiance of the sun made everything else stop shining.

Comparison with 'refulgencia'.

En su obra, la melancolía brilla con un matiz esperanzador.

In his work, melancholy shines with a hopeful nuance.

Complex abstract metaphor.

La ciudad, otrora esplendorosa, ahora brilla solo en el recuerdo.

The city, once splendid, now shines only in memory.

Use of 'otrora' (formerly).

No es de extrañar que brille quien posee tal dominio del lenguaje.

It is no wonder that someone with such mastery of language shines.

Subjunctive in a relative clause.

Su ingenio brilla incluso en los momentos más aciagos.

His wit shines even in the most fateful moments.

Use of 'aciagos' (fateful/dark).

La plata vieja, tras el pulido, volvió a brillar con vigor.

The old silver, after polishing, shone with vigor once again.

Appositive phrase 'tras el pulido'.

El solsticio hace que la luz brille de un modo casi místico.

The solstice makes the light shine in an almost mystical way.

Scientific/spiritual context.

Brillarás en la medida en que seas fiel a tus principios.

You will shine to the extent that you are faithful to your principles.

Phrase 'en la medida en que'.

자주 쓰는 조합

brillar intensamente

brillar con luz propia

hacer brillar

brillar de alegría

dejar de brillar

brillar en el escenario

brillar por su talento

brillar al sol

brillar en la oscuridad

volver a brillar

자주 쓰는 구문

¡Qué brillo!

— What a shine! Used to compliment something very clean or shiny.

¡Qué brillo tienen esos cristales!

Sacar brillo

— To polish something until it shines.

Tengo que sacar brillo a la cubertería.

Brillar como un sol

— To be very bright or to be a wonderful person.

Esa niña brilla como un sol.

Brillar por su cuenta

— To succeed without help from others.

Él siempre ha brillado por su cuenta.

Un futuro brillante

— A bright future (using the adjective form).

Te espera un futuro brillante.

Brillar en sociedad

— To be successful or popular in social circles.

Le gusta brillar en sociedad.

Ojos que brillan

— Eyes that show excitement or health.

Tiene unos ojos que brillan mucho.

Brillar de nuevo

— To shine again after a period of darkness or failure.

El sol volverá a brillar.

Hacerlo brillar

— To make someone or something look good.

Ese marco hace brillar la pintura.

Brillar entre la multitud

— To stand out in a crowd.

Ella brilla entre la multitud por su altura.

자주 혼동되는 단어

brillar vs Alumbrar

Alumbrar is to provide light to a room; brillar is the object itself being bright.

brillar vs Lucir

Lucir is to show off or look good; brillar is to emit/reflect light.

brillar vs Encender

Encender is the action of turning on a light; brillar is the state of the light.

관용어 및 표현

"Brillar por su ausencia"

— To be conspicuously absent when expected.

La lógica brilló por su ausencia en el debate.

informal/journalistic

"No es oro todo lo que brilla"

— Appearances can be deceptive.

Parece un buen trato, pero no es oro todo lo que brilla.

proverb

"Brillar con luz propia"

— To have natural talent and not depend on others.

Ella no necesita a nadie, brilla con luz propia.

neutral

"Sacar a relucir"

— To bring something up (related to the synonym relucir).

No saques a relucir ese tema ahora.

neutral

"Estar brillante"

— To be exceptionally clever or perform very well.

Estuviste brillante en la reunión.

colloquial

"Brillar como una patena"

— To be extremely clean.

He dejado la cocina que brilla como una patena.

colloquial (Spain)

"Hacer sombra"

— The opposite: to outshine someone (to cast a shadow on them).

Su hermano siempre le hace sombra.

neutral

"Tener brillo en los ojos"

— To be full of life or hope.

Desde que viaja, tiene otro brillo en los ojos.

poetic

"Brillar por todo lo alto"

— To succeed in a grand way.

La fiesta brilló por todo lo alto.

journalistic

"Dar brillo"

— To enhance the reputation of something.

Su presencia dio brillo al evento.

formal

혼동하기 쉬운

brillar vs Relucir

Both mean to shine.

Relucir is more about being clean or coming to light in a conversation.

Los zapatos relucen.

brillar vs Destellar

Both refer to light.

Destellar is intermittent (flashing); brillar is constant.

El diamante brilla, pero la sirena destella.

brillar vs Centellear

Both refer to light.

Centellear is specifically for twinkling (stars, sequins).

Las estrellas centellean.

brillar vs Resplandecer

Both mean to shine.

Resplandecer is much more intense and often metaphorical/divine.

El sol resplandece al mediodía.

brillar vs Fulgurar

Both mean to shine.

Fulgurar is literary and implies a sudden, blinding brilliance.

Su genio fulguró en la obra.

문장 패턴

El/La [noun] brilla.

La estrella brilla.

Hacer brillar [noun].

Hice brillar el coche.

[Subject] brilla por su [quality].

Él brilla por su paciencia.

Brillar de [emotion].

Brillar de alegría.

Brillar por su ausencia.

Tu ayuda brilló por su ausencia.

Brillar con luz propia.

Ella brilla con luz propia.

En la medida en que [subjunctive], brillarás.

Brillarás en la medida en que te esfuerces.

Brillar en el recuerdo.

Su legado brilla en el recuerdo.

어휘 가족

명사

el brillo (shine/brightness)

la brillantez (brilliance)

el abrillantador (polisher)

동사

abrillantar (to polish/glaze)

형용사

brillante (shiny/bright/brilliant)

abrillantado (polished)

사용법

frequency

Very high in everyday speech, literature, and media.

자주 하는 실수

Brillé mis zapatos. → Saqué brillo a mis zapatos.
Brillar is intransitive; you cannot shine an object directly.
El sol briella. → El sol brilla.
Brillar is a regular -ar verb; do not add an extra 'e'.
Brilla la luz. → Enciende la luz.
You don't 'brillar' (turn on) a light; you 'encender' it.
Brilla por su falta. → Brilla por su ausencia.
The idiom is fixed as 'brillar por su ausencia'.
La lámpara brilla la mesa. → La lámpara alumbra la mesa.
Use 'alumbrar' when one object provides light to another.

팁

Upgrade your shine

Instead of always using 'brillar', try 'relucir' for clean things and 'destellar' for flashing lights. It makes your Spanish sound more native.

The Transitive Trap

Remember: You can't 'brillar' an object. You can only 'hacer brillar' an object. This is a top-tier A2/B1 mistake to avoid.

Cleanliness is Shine

In Spain, 'brillar como una patena' is the ultimate compliment for a clean house. Use it to impress your host!

Master the Irony

Use 'brillar por su ausencia' when your friend misses a party or when a book is missing a key chapter. It's very natural-sounding.

The Double L

Make sure the 'll' in 'brillar' sounds like a 'y'. Don't let it sound like an English 'l', or people might not understand you.

Poetic Light

Use 'brillar' to describe hope or truth in your essays. It adds a sophisticated, metaphorical layer to your Spanish.

Song Lyrics

Listen to 'Brillas' by León Larregui. It's a great way to hear the word used in a romantic, modern context.

Complimenting talent

If someone does a great job, say '¡Brillaste hoy!'. It's a high-energy, positive way to give feedback.

Source vs. Reflection

Whether the light comes from inside (sun) or outside (diamond), 'brillar' works for both. It's a very flexible verb.

The Beryl Link

Remember that 'brillar' comes from 'beryl' (a gem). If you remember the gem, you'll remember the shine!

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Brilliant' diamond that 'Brill-ars' (shines). The 'll' looks like two rays of light.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant sun wearing sunglasses because it 'brilla' too much.

Word Web

Sol Estrella Diamante Ojos Talento Limpieza Oro Luz

챌린지

Try to find three things in your room that 'brillan' and describe them in Spanish.

어원

From the Vulgar Latin *beryllare, which comes from beryllus (beryl, a precious stone).

원래 의미: To shine like a beryl or a gem.

Romance (Latin root).

문화적 맥락

No major sensitivities; 'brillar' is a universally positive and safe word.

English speakers often use 'shine' transitively (shine shoes), but Spanish speakers must use 'sacar brillo'.

The song 'Brillas' by León Larregui. The proverb 'No es oro todo lo que brilla'. Cervantes' descriptions of armor in Don Quijote.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Weather

El sol brilla
Día brillante
Brillar con fuerza
Cielo despejado

Jewelry

El diamante brilla
Anillo brillante
Sacar brillo al oro
Piedra preciosa

Success

Brillar en el trabajo
Momento de brillar
Carrera brillante
Brillar por su talento

Cleaning

Dejarlo brillando
Sacar brillo al suelo
Limpiar hasta que brille
Reluciente

Emotions

Ojos que brillan
Brillar de felicidad
Cara resplandeciente
Mirada brillante

대화 시작하기

"¿Qué es lo que más te hace brillar en tu trabajo?"

"¿Prefieres que el sol brille todo el día o te gusta la lluvia?"

"¿Conoces a alguien que brille con luz propia?"

"¿Qué trucos usas para hacer brillar tu casa?"

"¿Crees que 'no es oro todo lo que brilla' en las redes sociales?"

일기 주제

Escribe sobre un momento en el que sentiste que brillaste de verdad ante los demás.

Describe un paisaje nocturno donde las estrellas brillan intensamente.

¿Qué cualidades crees que hacen que una persona brille en la sociedad actual?

Escribe sobre algo que parecía oro pero resultó no brillar tanto al final.

Describe cómo te sientes cuando ves el sol brillar después de muchos días nublados.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, that's a common mistake. In Spanish, you say 'sacar brillo a los zapatos' or 'limpiar los zapatos'. 'Brillar' is intransitive.

No, 'brillar' is a perfectly regular -ar verb. You conjugate it just like 'hablar' or 'cantar'.

It means to be talented or successful because of your own merits, without needing help or following someone else's shadow.

Use 'resplandecer' when the light is extremely bright, blinding, or has a spiritual/emotional quality, like a face glowing with joy.

Common opposites include 'opacar' (to dull), 'oscurecer' (to darken), or 'apagarse' (to go out).

Yes, it's very common to say 'sus ojos brillan' to describe excitement, happiness, or even health.

No, 'brillante' can also mean 'intelligent' or 'excellent', just like in English (e.g., 'una idea brillante').

It's an ironic way to say someone or something was clearly missing when they should have been there.

You use the causative 'hacer brillar' or the phrase 'sacar brillo'.

No, 'brillar' is strictly visual. For other senses, you would use verbs like 'destacar' or 'sobresalir'.

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