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"Catalejo" is a noun which is often translated as "spyglass", and "lupa" is a noun which is often translated as "magnifying glass". Learn more about the difference between "catalejo" and "lupa" below.
el catalejo(
kah
-
tah
-
leh
-
hoh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (general)
a. spyglass (handheld)
Los náufragos a la deriva atisbaron tierra firme a través del catalejo.The drifting survivors glimpsed solid ground with the telescope.
b. telescope
El capitán vio por el catalejo a unos piratas acercándose al barco.The captain spotted pirates approaching the boat through his telescope.
la lupa(
loo
-
pah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
1. (optics)
a. magnifying glass
Examiné la evidencia con una lupa.I examined the evidence with a magnifying glass.
2. (figurative) (attention)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. fine-tooth comb (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
La letra pequeña de un seguro hay que mirársela con lupa.You have to go through the small print of an insurance plan with a fine-tooth comb.
