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chiribita means sparkle — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: November 14, 2025

😆 Funny Words

chiribita

noun • /[chee-ree-BEE-tah]/

sparkle

Example:

Le brilló una chiribita en los ojos.

A sparkle lit up in her eyes.

🧠 What does chiribita mean?

Chiribita is a feminine noun that refers to a very small spark, a tiny fleck of light, or a sparkle. It is often used to describe the sparks that fly from a fire or a struck match. Figuratively, it is most famously used in the expression 'hacer chiribitas los ojos', which means for one's eyes to sparkle with excitement, joy, or emotion. The word has a playful and diminutive sound, emphasizing the small and quick nature of the light it describes.

📚 Extra examples

  • Del fuego saltaban pequeñas chiribitas que se perdían en la noche.
    Tiny sparks were jumping from the fire and getting lost in the night.
  • A la niña le hacían chiribitas los ojos al ver los regalos.
    The little girl's eyes sparkled when she saw the presents.
  • Tras el golpe, vi chiribitas por un momento.
    After the blow, I saw stars for a moment.

💡 Did You Know?

Interestingly, in addition to meaning a spark, 'chiribita' is also a colloquial name in some parts of Spain for the common daisy flower. One can imagine the white petals radiating from the yellow center like little sparks of light.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chiribita"

Synonyms: chispa, centella, destello, brillo
Opposites: oscuridad, tiniebla, opacidad

🔍 See more funny words words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'sparkle' in Spanish?
Common words for 'sparkle' are 'brillo' (shine) or 'destello' (flash). 'Chispa' means 'spark'. 'Chiribita' is a more specific and whimsical term for a very tiny spark or sparkle.
How do you pronounce 'chiribita' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is chee-ree-BEE-tah, with the emphasis on the third syllable, 'bi'.
How do you use 'chiribita' in a sentence?
A common way is in the phrase 'hacer chiribitas los ojos'. For example: 'Sus ojos hacían chiribitas al contar la anécdota.' (His eyes would sparkle when telling the anecdote.)
What is the English translation of 'chiribita'?
The English translation is a small spark, a sparkle, or a fleck of light.
Does 'chiribita' change for gender or number?
'Chiribita' is a feminine noun. Its plural form is 'chiribitas'. For example: 'una chiribita' (one sparkle), 'muchas chiribitas' (many sparkles).
Is 'chiribita' common in everyday Spanish?
It is not an extremely common word, but it is well-known, particularly in Spain and within the set phrase 'hacer chiribitas los ojos'. It can sound a bit quaint or poetic.
Does 'chiribita' have slang or double meanings?
Primarily, 'chiribita' refers to a spark. It does not have common slang meanings. In some regions, it can be a colloquial name for the common daisy flower ('Bellis perennis'), but this is not its main use.
Is 'chiribita' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word is more frequently used and recognized in Spain. In many parts of Latin America, speakers would more typically use 'chispa' or 'chispita' to refer to a small spark.

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