Difference between "magia" and "mágica"

Question

So, I've stumbled upon two words: magia and mágica.

I don't understand what the difference between the two is. SpanishDict translates both of them to mean the same thing. If anyone could help me distinguish between the two, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

"mágica" both times, I'm sure you intended! :) - cristalino, Aug 5, 2011

No, they're two separate words, haha. - brianelliottlavoie, Aug 5, 2011

Oh nevermind, I see what you mean. :) - brianelliottlavoie, Aug 5, 2011

Answer 1

Magia (noun) = the art of producing illusion or supernatural stuff (e.g. magia negra)

Mágico (adjective) = posessing this art, or anything related to it... in masculine gender (e.g. un momento mágico)

Mágica (adjective) = posessing this art, or anything related to it... in feminine gender (e.g. una solución mágica)

Mago (noun/adjective) = male magician

Maga (noun/adjective) = female magician

Thank you so much for this. It breaks it all down and makes sense of the different forms. It's much appreciated. - brianelliottlavoie, Aug 6, 2011

Answer 2

Except for the differences in the parts of speech they appear to be synonyms in certain contexts.

---

magia.

(Del lat. mag?a, y este del gr. ??????).

1. f. Arte o ciencia oculta con que se pretende producir, valiéndose de ciertos actos o palabras, o con la intervención de seres imaginables, resultados contrarios a las leyes naturales.

2. f. Encanto, hechizo o atractivo de alguien o algo.

~ blanca, o ~ natural.

1. f. La que por medios naturales obra efectos que parecen sobrenaturales. (illusionist?)

? V.

comedia de magia

Real Academia Española © Todos los derechos reservados

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mágico, ca.

(Del lat. mag?cus).

1. adj. Perteneciente o relativo a la magia. Arte, obra mágica

2. adj. Maravilloso, estupendo.

3. m. y f. Persona que profesa y ejerce la magia.

4. m. y f. Persona que hace encantamientos.

5. f. Ciencia o arte de la magia.

? V.

círculo mágico

cuadrado mágico

linterna mágica

palabra mágica

realismo mágico

varita mágica

Answer 3

Hmmm, the first appears to be the art of magic, if you will, the latter is the adjective form, as a magic wand or amulet, so the English magical... see what others may add!

Mágica also refers to a magician, in English, both male or female, per our dictionary, but I prefer "mago/a" myself... :) - cristalino, Aug 5, 2011