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"Iluminar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to illuminate", and "iluminarse" is a pronominal verb which is often translated as "to light up". Learn more about the difference between "iluminar" and "iluminarse" below.
iluminar(
ee
-
loo
-
mee
-
nahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to illuminate
La luz de la luna iluminaba la calle desierta.The moonlight illuminated the deserted street.
a. to light up
Cada año mis hijos siempre me ayudan a iluminar el árbol de Navidad.Every year, my kids always help me to light up the Christmas tree.
3. (religious)
a. to enlighten
Considera su padre espiritual al monje budista que lo iluminó.He considers the Buddhist monk who enlightened him his spiritual father.
a. to illuminate
El encuadernador usó una lámina de oro para iluminar las letras de la portada.The bookbinder used gold foil to illuminate the letters on the cover.
iluminarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to light up
El rostro del niño se iluminó cuando vio los regalos que le trajo Papá Noel.The kid's face lit up when he saw the presents Santa brought him.
7. (religious)
a. to become enlightened
El ermitaño llevaba una vida de austeridad con la esperanza de iluminarse.The hermit lived a life of austerity in hopes of becoming enlightened.
iluminarse(
ee
-
loo
-
mee
-
nahr
-
seh
)A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to light up
El rostro del niño se iluminó cuando vio los regalos que le trajo Papá Noel.The kid's face lit up when he saw the presents Santa brought him.
3. (religious)
a. to become enlightened
El ermitaño llevaba una vida de austeridad con la esperanza de iluminarse.The hermit lived a life of austerity in hopes of becoming enlightened.
iluminar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to illuminate
La luz de la luna iluminaba la calle desierta.The moonlight illuminated the deserted street.
a. to light up
Cada año mis hijos siempre me ayudan a iluminar el árbol de Navidad.Every year, my kids always help me to light up the Christmas tree.
6. (religious)
a. to enlighten
Considera su padre espiritual al monje budista que lo iluminó.He considers the Buddhist monk who enlightened him his spiritual father.
a. to illuminate
El encuadernador usó una lámina de oro para iluminar las letras de la portada.The bookbinder used gold foil to illuminate the letters on the cover.
