Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Lighthouse in Spanish
Faro · noun · FAH-roh
The Spanish word for lighthouse is 'faro,' a masculine noun. Faros have guided sailors along the coasts of Spain and Latin America for centuries. The word 'faro' also means headlight (of a car) in many contexts, so the surrounding sentence usually clarifies which meaning is intended.
Faro is pronounced FAH-roh, with the stress on the first syllable. It is a short, two-syllable word with no silent letters.
El faro iluminaba la costa durante la tormenta.
The lighthouse illuminated the coast during the storm.
Lighthouse in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for lighthouse, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| faro | lighthouse | FAH-roh | Default, widely understood |
| torre de luz | lighthouse | poetic or descriptive usage |
How Native Speakers Use Faro
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Coastal landmark
Visitamos el faro antiguo en la punta del acantilado.
We visited the old lighthouse on the cliff's edge.
Describing a sightseeing experience at the coast.
Navigation
Los marineros se guiaban por la luz del faro.
The sailors navigated by the light of the lighthouse.
Historical or literary reference to maritime navigation.
Photography spot
El faro es el lugar más fotografiado de la isla.
The lighthouse is the most photographed spot on the island.
Discussing a popular tourist attraction.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Faro
Confusing faro with forro
Incorrect: El forro de la costa es muy antiguo.
Correct: El faro de la costa es muy antiguo.
Forro means lining or cover, while faro means lighthouse — the two words look similar but have unrelated meanings.
Wrong gender article
Incorrect: La faro está en lo alto de la colina.
Correct: El faro está en lo alto de la colina.
Faro is a masculine noun and requires the article 'el,' not 'la.'
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Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Faro used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Lighthouse in Spanish
- Does faro also mean headlight?
- In automotive contexts, 'faro' refers to a car headlight, so you might hear 'los faros del coche' (the car headlights) — the intended meaning is always clear from context.
- What is a famous lighthouse in the Spanish-speaking world?
- The Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules) in A Coruña, Spain, is an ancient Roman lighthouse and UNESCO World Heritage Site that has guided ships for nearly two thousand years.
- How do you say 'lighthouse keeper' in Spanish?
- A lighthouse keeper is called 'farero' or 'torrero,' though the profession has largely disappeared with the automation of modern lighthouses.