light

la luz

encender

light(layt)

A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling or idea (e.g. man, dog, house).

noun

1. (illumination)

a. la luz

(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).

(F)

We danced by the light of the moon.Bailamos a la luz de la luna.

2. (lamp)

a. la luz

(f) means that a noun is feminine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).

(F)

Could you turn on the light, please?¿Podría encender la luz, por favor?

3. (traffic signal)

a. el semáforo

(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).

(M)

You have to stop at the red light.Te tienes que detener cuando el semáforo está en rojo.

4. (fire)

a. el fuego

(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).

(M)

Have you got a light?¿Tiene usted fuego?

5. (understanding or consideration)

a.

This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.

no direct translation

After the discussion, I saw him in a new light.Después de la conversación, lo vi con otros ojos.

In light of the recent shooting, all public schools will be closed Monday.Debido al tiroteo reciente, todas las escuelas públicas se cerrarán el lunes.

An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g. the big dog).

adjective

6. (low-calorie)

a. bajo en calorías

We will use light mayo for the sauce.Utilizaremos mayonesa baja en calorías para la salsa.

b. light

If you want to consume fewer calories, buy light beer.Si quieres consumir menos calorías, compra cerveza light.

7. (not heavy)

a. ligero

He always packs a light suitcase when he travels.Siempre hace una maleta ligera cuando viaja.

b. liviano

Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.

(Latin America)

I should've brought a lighter jacket; this one is too warm.Me hubiera traído una chaqueta más liviana; esta es demasiado caliente.

8. (referring to colors)

a. claro

I prefer light blue for the background.Prefiero azul claro para el fondo.

A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g. I bought a book.).

transitive verb

9. (to set alight)

a. encender

I will light the fire while you prepare dinner.Encenderé el fuego mientras tú haces la cena.

b. prender

The woman took a sip of wine and lighted a cigarette.La mujer dio un sorbo al vino y prendió un cigarrillo.

10. (to illuminate)

a. alumbrar

I lit the way at the camp with a flashlight.Alumbré el camino en el campamento con una linterna.

An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g. The man sneezed.).

intransitive verb

11. (to catch fire)

a. encenderse

The fire took long to light because it was very windy.La hoguera tardó en encenderse porque hacía mucho viento.

b. prender

The logs were damp and wouldn't light.Los troncos estaban húmedos y no prendían.

light

An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g. the big dog).

adjective

1. (not heavy)

a. ligero(a)

to be light on one's feettener los pies ligeros

to have a light mealtomar una comida ligera

to be a light sleepertener el sueño ligero

to have a light touchtener delicadeza

2. (aviation)

a.

light aircraftavioneta f

3. (military)

a.

light artilleryartillería ligera

4. (military)

a.

light infantryinfantería ligera

5. (not strenuous; job, work)

a. ligero(a)

6. (rain)

a. fina

a light sentenceuna sentencia benévola

7. (not serious)

a. alegre

to make light of somethingno dar importancia a algo

light entertainmentespectáculo de entretenimiento

light readinglectura ligera

light versepoesía ligera

An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g. to run quickly, very tired).

adverb

8. (general)

a.

to travel lightviajar ligero(a) de equipaje

light [laɪt] lit lighted

noun

1 (not darkness) luz (f)

she was sitting with her back to the light or with the light behind her estaba sentada de espaldas a la luz; the light was beginning to fade estaba empezando a oscurecer; her hair is almost black in certain lights según como le da la luz tiene el pelo casi negro

Suddenly there was a flash of white light in the sky Cracks of light filtered through the shutters It was difficult to see in the dim light We are dependent on the sun for heat and light She loved the intense light of the African plains the light isn't good enough to take photographs The light was beginning to fade as Grace climbed over the stile let there be light

against the light al trasluz

to hold sth against the light acercar algo a la luz; mirar algo al trasluz

by the light of the moon/a candle a la luz de la luna/de una vela

by the light of a [candle]/the [fire]/a [torch] by the light of a torch, she began to read

at first light al rayar el día

they should get there by first light

you're (standing) in my light me quitas la luz; me haces sombra

light and shade luz y sombra; (Art) claroscuro (m)

to hold sth up to the light acercar algo a la luz; mirar algo al trasluz

to see (a) light at the end of the tunnel ver la salida del túnel; ver una solución al problema

there is light at the end of the tunnel all these measures will help you to see light at the end of the tunnel are we at last beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel in the property market? I couldn't see a light at the end of the tunnel. It was the only way I could clear my problems She thought of her retirement day as the light at the end of the tunnel... There was no victory in sight, no light at the end of the tunnel are we at last beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel in the property market?

to bring sth to light sacar algo a la luz

to shed or throw or cast light on sth arrojar luz sobre algo

This casts light on a problem which I mentioned last year his diaries throw a new light upon certain incidents

in the cold light of day a la luz del día; pensándolo con calma

I believe many unfortunate things were said in the heat of the moment. It is not my role to apportion blame, but I am sure that in the cold light of day many of those involved would have acted with greater restraint In the cold light of day, Taylor's record since he took over as manager isn't that bad I was absolutely horrified and shocked at his behaviour and quite frankly in the cold light of day I find it unbelievable that a grown man could act in such a way

to come to light salir a la luz (pública)

new facts have come to light han salido a la luz nuevos datos

it has come to light that] he was lying no immediate suspect came to light

(the) light dawned on him/her se dio cuenta; comprendió

He wondered why she was being so nice when light suddenly dawned on him it wasn't until the following day that light dawned on her Light dawned on her at last

to hide one's light (under a bushel) quitarse importancia; ser modesto

If you have knowledge that your superiors don't, or if you can do something they can't, don't be tempted to hide your light under a bushel for fear of upsetting them; be confident enough to promote yourself, but do it helpfully,tactfully and with consideration Don't hide your light under a bushel your CV is not the place to hide your light under a bushel she's a leading light in the local amateur dramatics group in movement, party he's one of the leading lights of the Civil Rights Movement

he was the light of her life era la niña de sus ojos

Cheryl was the light of my life

to see the light (Rel) ver la luz; (understand) abrir los ojos; ver la luz (humorous)

He says he's seen the light - he's going to become a Buddhist he suddenly saw the light and realized he was going nowhere she wisely saw the light and retired I just hope he sees the light because if we carry on the way we're going, we'll get a shock at Wembley "She's got you as conditioned as Pavlov's dog. I thought you said you'd seen the light?" - "I have"

to see the light (of day) ver la luz (del día)

this extraordinary document first saw the light of day in 1966 Museum basements are stacked full of objects which never see the light of day he did not want his wife exposed to the fierce light [of] publicity their lies have been exposed to the harsh light of reality

leading

2 (lamp) luz (f)

in the distance I could see the lights of a town a lo lejos veía las luces de una ciudad

there were lights on in several of the rooms

to switch on or turn on the light encender la luz

She went into her daughter's room and turned on the light

to switch off or turn off the light apagar la luz

He undressed and switched off the light I turned off the lights and got into bed.

to go out like a light (fall asleep) dormirse al instante

I went out like a light

(lose consciousness) caer (en) redondo (informal)

bright runway

3 (electricity) luz (f)

light and water in the building were cut off

electric light luz (f) eléctrica

4 (Aut) (on vehicle) luz (f)

He had his lights on I left my lights on and the battery went flat the driver turned off his lights

rear or tail lights pilotos (m); luces (f) traseras; calaveras (f); (Méx)

reversing lights luces (f) de marcha atrás

5 (traffic signal) semáforo (m)

a red/green/amber light un semáforo en rojo/verde/ámbar; to go through a red light saltarse un semáforo en rojo

turn left at the next [set] of lights

the lights el semáforo

the lights aren't working

the lights were at or on red el semáforo estaba en rojo; the lights were against us all the way nos tocaron todos los semáforos en rojo

we had to stop at the lights ...the heavy city traffic with its endless delays at lights and crossings I had to apply the brakes rather abruptly at a red light... to get the green light from sb to give sth/sb the green light the government has given the green light to a bill on abortion the food industry was given a green light to use of these chemicals Other countries are eagerly awaiting an American green light to lift the sanctions altogether

green

6 (viewpoint)

according to or by sb's lights según el parecer de algn

They can get on with running the school system according to their own lights and in their own interests

to see things/look at sth in a different or new light ver las cosas/mirar algo con una perspectiva distinta or desde otro punto de vista

we were now seeing things in a different light her death made me see my life in a new light in America the Act was seen in a quite different light as one gets older one looks at marriage in a different light this enabled me to look at my relationships in a different light

I began to see my friends in a new light empecé a ver a mis amigos con otros ojos

to reveal sth/sb in a new light

to show or portray sth/sb in a good/bad light dar una buena/mala imagen de algo/algn

this shows our country in a bad light esto da una mala imagen de nuestro país

tv programmes which present violence in a positive light avoid including information in your cv that shows you in a negative light he has worked hard to portray New York in a better light/ he appeared that day in the worst possible light

in the light of what you have said ... en vista de or a la luz de lo que has dicho ...

in the light of what you have said we may revise our decision in the light of this information it is now possible to identify a number of key issues The doctor should do what in the light of his experience is best for that patient... This should be discussed more fully, particularly in light of the developments in the University This development is significant /in the light of/ what happened later...

7 (glint, twinkle) brillo (m)

there was a strange light in his eye había un brillo extraño en su mirada

The murderous light never left his eyes during those weeks... I could see a questioning and reproachful light in Jane's eyes... From the light in his eye she recognized why his battalion called him "Tiger Hanks". I remembered the curious expectant light in his eyes

8 (flame)

have you got a light? (for cigarette) ¿tienes fuego?

to set light to sth (Britain) prender fuego a algo

She set light to the photographs They had poured fuel through the door of the flat and had then set light to it

strike

9 (Archit) cristal (m); vidrio (m)

adjective

lighter (comparative)lightest (superlative)

1 (bright) [+room, hallway] con bastante luz

her house is light and airy su casa tiene bastante luz y ventilación; light summer evenings las claras tardes de verano; while it's still light mientras es de día or hay luz

go out and play now, while it's still light; you can do your homework later on I'd better bring in the washing while it's still light it was still light when we arrived at Lalong Creek it is a light room with tall windows

to get light hacerse de día

it's getting light in summer it gets light early we'll set off as soon as it gets light

2 (pale) [+colour] claro; [+hair] rubio; güero; (CAm) (Méx) [+skin] blanco

We want a light colour for the wallpaper ...available in light blue or grey Her skin is lighter than mine

light blue/green azul/verde claro; light in colour de color claro

The walls are light in colour and covered in paper

transitive verb

1 (illuminate) iluminar

she appeared at a lighted window se asomó a la ventana de una habitación iluminada; to be lit up estar achispado (informal)

the room was lit by a small, dim bulb the corridors are lit by artificial light The low sun lit the fortress walls with yellow light The flames lit their faces The room was lit by only the one light the moon lit the road so brightly you could see the landscape clearly

to light the way for sb alumbrar (el camino) a algn

an institution which had take upon itself the task of lighting the way for the rest of society Clare carried a torch to light her [way] upstairs

2 (ignite) [+match, candle, fire] encender; prender; [+cigarette] encender

Lizzie lighted a cigarette with a lighted candle she lit a match I'll light the fire light the blue touchpaper and stand back Our questionnaire gave you, our readers, a chance to express your views, and this you did with passion; it was a case of lighting the blue touchpaper and standing well back

intransitive verb

(ignite) encenderse; prender

the fire wouldn't light el fuego no se encendía; el fuego no prendía

If the charcoal fails to light, use a special liquid spray and light it with a long taper The fire took a long time to light

modifier

light bulb (n) bombilla (f); foco (m); (And) bombillo (m); (Col) (Ven)

light fitting (n) instalación eléctrica donde se colocan bombillas, tubos fluorescentes etc

light meter (n) (Fot) fotómetro (m)

light pen (n) lápiz (m) óptico

light show (n) espectáculo (m) de luces

light switch (n) interruptor (m)

light wave (n) onda (f) luminosa

light year (n) año (m) luz

3000 light years away a una distancia de 3000 años luz

light [laɪt]

adjective

lighter (comparative)lightest (superlative)

1 (in weight) [+object, clothing, equipment] ligero; liviano; (LAm) [+step] ligero

I want to be ten pounds lighter quiero adelgazar diez libras; I'm ten pounds lighter than I was peso diez libras menos que antes

modern tennis rackets are 20 per cent lighter the bag was very light, as though there were nothing in it we need a light metal, like aluminium. try to wear light, loose clothes She wore only a light cotton frock and sandals a convoy of light armoured vehicles light modern weapons They used light machine guns and AK forty-sevens She ran up the stairs with her /light/ graceful step... subió corriendo las escaleras con pasos ligeros y elegantes Andrew blows a light kiss to Jane... Andrew le mandó por el aire un sutil beso a Jane ...a light clasp on her arm His grip when he shook hands was light and noncommittal

to be light on one's feet ser ligero de pies

with a light heart (cheerfully) con el corazón alegre; (without thinking) a la ligera

the news she received had put her mind at rest and for the rest of the dat she went round with a light heart we set out with light hearts and full of the spirit of adventure Few people go about selling their homes with a light heart This sort of person will accept responsibility with a light heart

you need a light touch to make good pastry necesitas manos de seda para conseguir una buena masa

Use a light touch when applying cream or make-up

as light as a feather ligero como una pluma

2 (scanty, slight) [+breeze] leve; suave; [+shower] ligero

a light rain was falling lloviznaba; a light fall of snow una ligera nevada; trading was light on the Stock Exchange hubo poca actividad en la Bolsa; traffic was light había poco tráfico; the speech was light on content el discurso tenía poco contenido

Opponents of his plan suggest that /it is heavy on new taxes and light [on]/ reductions in government spending

3 (Cookery) [+meal, food, cake] ligero; liviano; (LAm)

a light, healthy lunch. wine and cheese or other light refreshment The soup is deliciously light Bake salmon in foil or poach in a light stock for 8-10 minutes Your cakes are always so wonderfully light light table wines

4 (low-alcohol) de bajo contenido alcohólico; de bajo contenido en alcohol; (low-calorie) light; bajo en calorías; (low-tar) light; de bajo contenido en alquitrán

5 (soft) [+sound] leve; [+voice] suave

there was a light tapping on the door se oyeron unos golpecitos a la puerta

There was a light knock at the door the voice was sweet and light

6 (not demanding) [+work, duties] ligero

the children help with light housework he was given light duties His company wanted to put him on light duties. But his own doctor said he was not fit even for office work

she can only manage light work solo puede realizar tareas ligeras

to make light work of sth hacer algo con facilidad

he made light work of passing his exams The Gardenvac makes light work of clearing away leaves and twigs

7 (not serious) [+novel, music] ligero

He doesn't like me reading light novels. ...light classical music. She was engrossed /in the lighter sections/ of a newspaper... talk to him in a friendly, light way about the relationship

to make light of sth quitar importancia a algo

they make light of their handicaps he laughed and made light of it all

on a lighter note hablando de cosas menos serias

on a lighter note, I heard my first cuckoo at the weekend on a lighter note, did you hear about what Jane did? and, to finish on a lighter note To end on a lighter note, numerous pictures in the papers leave no doubt as to the identity of the British public's current hero. He's a racehorse, a grey called Desert Orchid

take along some light reading llévate algo fácil de leer

8 (not harsh) [+sentence] leve

She confessed her astonishment at her light sentence when her father visited her at the jail

9 (shallow)

she had drifted into a light sleep se había quedado medio dormida

to be a light sleeper tener el sueño ligero

Heavy drinkers have higher blood-pressure than light drinkers or abstainers

10 (loose) [+soil] poco denso

adverb

to travel light viajar con poco equipaje

noun

1 lights (Cookery) pulmones (m)

2 (cigarette) cigarrillo (m) light; cigarrillo (m) de bajo contenido en alquitrán

modifier

light aircraft (n) avión (m) ligero

light entertainment (n) (TV) programas (m) de variedades

a stand-up comedian provided light entertainment un humorista amenizó la velada

Much of today's light entertainment comes not from professional entertainers, song-and-dance men, comics, magicians but from members of the public happy to make silly spectacles of themselves the BBC's head of light entertainment three doyens of light entertainment; Les Dennis, Su Pollard and Roy Walker a party at a London hotel, where Rory Bremner provided light entertainment

light industry (n) industria (f) ligera

light infantry (n) infantería (f) ligera

light opera (n) (show) opereta (f)

a Gilbert and Sullivan light opera

(genre) género (m) lírico

a company which specializes in light opera

light verse (n) poesías (f) festivas

light [laɪt] lit lighted

intransitive verb

to light on sth dar con algo; tropezar con algo; encontrar algo