Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Chandelier in Spanish: Candelabro
Candelabro · noun · kahn-deh-LAH-broh
Candelabro is the most widely understood Spanish word for chandelier, the ornamental light fixture suspended from a ceiling. In South America, 'araña de luces' (literally 'spider of lights') is popular due to the fixture's branching arms. Spain also uses 'lámpara de araña.' The word candelabro can additionally refer to a candelabra (a branched candlestick), so context determines the precise meaning.
kahn-deh-LAH-broh
El candelabro del salón principal tiene más de cien cristales.
The chandelier in the main hall has over a hundred crystals.
Chandelier in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for chandelier, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| candelabro | chandelier | kahn-deh-LAH-broh | Default, widely understood |
| araña de luces | chandelier | South America | |
| lámpara de araña | chandelier | Spain |
How Native Speakers Use Candelabro
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Interior design
Instalaron una araña de luces moderna en el comedor.
They installed a modern chandelier in the dining room.
Discussing home decoration.
Historic building
El candelabro de cristal del teatro data del siglo diecinueve.
The crystal chandelier in the theater dates from the nineteenth century.
Describing a historic venue.
Cleaning
Limpiar la lámpara de araña requiere mucha paciencia.
Cleaning the chandelier requires a lot of patience.
Household maintenance task.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Candelabro
Confusing with candelabra
Incorrect: Pon las velas en el candelabro del techo.
Correct: Pon las velas en el candelabro de la mesa.
If you mean a table-standing candelabra, specify its location. Candelabro can mean both chandelier and candelabra, so additional context (del techo vs. de la mesa) avoids confusion.
Using chandelier as loanword
Incorrect: El chandelier del hotel es impresionante.
Correct: El candelabro del hotel es impresionante.
The French loanword 'chandelier' is not used in Spanish. Use candelabro, araña de luces, or lámpara de araña depending on the region.
Lock in Chandelier Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Candelabro used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using candelabro in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El candelabro del salón principal tiene más de cien cristales. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Chandelier in Spanish
- Why is a chandelier called an araña in some countries?
- The term 'araña' (spider) describes how a chandelier's arms branch outward from a central point, resembling a spider's legs. This vivid metaphor became the standard term in several South American countries and is immediately understood by Spanish speakers everywhere.
- Is candelabro always masculine?
- Candelabro is always masculine in Spanish — you say 'el candelabro.' The related word 'araña' (spider/chandelier) is feminine: 'la araña de luces.' Your choice between the two terms also determines the grammatical gender you will use throughout the sentence.
- What is a small chandelier called in Spanish?
- A small or simple chandelier can be called a 'candelabrito' using the diminutive, or more commonly 'lámpara colgante' (hanging lamp) if it lacks the ornate branching structure typical of a full chandelier. The term 'plafón' is used for ceiling-mounted fixtures that sit flush.