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efímero means fleeting — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 26, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

efímero

adjective • /[eh-FEE-meh-roh]/

fleeting

Example:

La vista fue efímera pero hermosa.

The view was fleeting but beautiful.

🧠 What does efímero mean?

Efímero describes something that lasts for a very short time, something transient or ephemeral. It can refer to physical things, like a flower that blooms only for a day, or to abstract concepts like a feeling of joy or a moment of inspiration.

📚 Extra examples

  • La belleza de la flor fue efímera.
    The flower's beauty was fleeting.
  • El amor de verano fue efímero, pero intenso.
    The summer romance was fleeting, but intense.
  • Los momentos de felicidad a veces son efímeros.
    Moments of happiness are sometimes fleeting.
  • El éxito efímero no le satisfizo.
    The fleeting success didn't satisfy him.
  • Las modas son efímeras.
    Fashions are fleeting.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'efímero' comes from the Greek word 'ephemeros', meaning 'lasting only a day'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "efímero"

Synonyms: pasajero, transitorio, fugaz, breve
Opposites: permanente, duradero, eterno

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'fleeting' in Spanish?
The most common translation of 'fleeting' is 'efímero'.
How do you pronounce 'efímero' in Spanish?
It's pronounced eh-FEE-meh-roh, with the stress on the second syllable.
How do you use 'efímero' in a sentence?
You can use 'efímero' before a noun, like 'un momento efímero' (a fleeting moment), or after the verb 'ser' (to be), like 'La felicidad fue efímera' (The happiness was fleeting).
What is the English translation of 'efímero'?
'Efímero' translates to 'fleeting', 'ephemeral', 'transient', or 'short-lived' in English.
Does 'efímero' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'efímero' changes to agree with the noun it modifies. For example, 'un recuerdo efímero' (a fleeting memory - masculine singular), 'una alegría efímera' (a fleeting joy - feminine singular), 'momentos efímeros' (fleeting moments - masculine plural), and 'alegrías efímeras' (fleeting joys - feminine plural).
Is 'efímero' common in everyday Spanish?
While not as common as some basic adjectives, 'efímero' is used in both spoken and written Spanish, particularly in literature, poetry, and philosophical discussions.
Does 'efímero' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'efímero' doesn't have any slang meanings or double meanings. Its meaning is fairly straightforward.
Is 'efímero' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'efímero' are generally the same across Spain and Latin America.

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