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espejismo means mirage — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 7, 2025

✨ Beautiful Spanish

espejismo

noun • /[es-peh-HEES-moh]/

mirage

Example:

El espejismo del oasis iluminó el desierto.

The mirage of the oasis lit up the desert.

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🧠 What does espejismo mean?

An espejismo, or mirage in English, is an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, especially the refraction of light from the sky by heated air near the ground. It creates the illusion of water or a shimmering surface where none exists. While often associated with deserts, espejismos can occur in other places too, like over hot asphalt roads or even at sea.

📚 Extra examples

  • El viajero sediento vio un espejismo en el desierto.
    The thirsty traveler saw a mirage in the desert.
  • Creía haber encontrado un oasis, pero solo era un espejismo.
    I thought I had found an oasis, but it was only a mirage.
  • Ese futuro prometedor resultó ser un espejismo.
    That promising future turned out to be a mirage.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'mirage' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'mirage' is 'espejismo'.
How do you pronounce 'espejismo' in Spanish?
It's pronounced es-peh-HEES-mo. The stress is on the third syllable. Listen to a native speaker for the best pronunciation guide!
How do you use 'espejismo' in a sentence?
Here's an example: 'El calor del desierto creó un espejismo en el horizonte.' (The desert heat created a mirage on the horizon.)
What is the English translation of 'espejismo'?
'Espejismo' translates to 'mirage' in English.
Does 'espejismo' change for gender or number?
No, 'espejismo' is a masculine noun and its plural is 'espejismos'.
Is 'espejismo' common in everyday Spanish?
While not an everyday word, 'espejismo' is understood and used when relevant, particularly in literature, discussions about nature, or metaphorical contexts.
Does 'espejismo' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. It’s mainly used in its literal sense (an optical illusion) or figuratively to describe something that seems real but isn't, like a false hope.
Is 'espejismo' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'espejismo' are consistent across both Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "espejismo"

Synonyms: ilusión óptica, fantasmagoría

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'espejismo' comes from the Spanish word 'espejo,' meaning 'mirror.' Think about it – a mirage is like a reflection of the sky on the ground, creating a mirror-like illusion.

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