fantasma (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Fantasma is a noun.

Phonetic Transcription

/fanˈtasma/

Translation Options into English

• Ghost
• Phantom
• Spirit

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, fantasma primarily refers to the spirit or apparition of a deceased person. It can also indicate something that is illusory or a figment of the imagination. The term is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, especially in literature, folklore, and discussions regarding the supernatural. The word is frequently used during conversations related to horror, mythology, and cinema.

Frequency of Use

Fantasma is moderately common in everyday language and is often utilized in discussions about paranormal activities or Halloween-related topics. It may be more prevalent in written contexts such as stories, articles, and folklore retellings.

Example Sentences

1. El fantasma de la casa encantada aparece solo en las noches de luna llena.
   The ghost of the haunted house appears only on full moon nights.

2. Ella dice que vio un fantasma en el viejo cementerio.
   She says she saw a ghost in the old cemetery.

3. Los niños se asustaron al leer la historia del fantasma.
   The children were scared after reading the story of the ghost.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "fantasma" itself may not appear in overly complex idiomatic expressions, it can be a part of several phrases that imply something elusive or fictitious:

1. Ver un fantasma
   To see a ghost
2. Context: Often used when referring to experiencing something real that isn’t there.

3. Example: Ver un fantasma en la oscuridad puede ser aterrador.
   Seeing a ghost in the dark can be terrifying.

4. Ser un fantasma
   To be a ghost

5. Context: Can refer to someone who avoids contact or becomes invisible socially.

6. Example: En la fiesta, él era un fantasma, solo se quedó en un rincón.
   At the party, he was a ghost, just staying in one corner.

7. Fantasma de la culpa
   Ghost of guilt

8. Context: Refers to one's lingering feelings of guilt over past actions.

9. Example: El fantasma de la culpa me persigue después de lo que hice.
   The ghost of guilt haunts me after what I did.

10. Fantasma del pasado
    Ghost of the past

11. Context: Indicates unresolved issues from the past that affect the present.
12. Example: El fantasma del pasado siempre vuelve para recordarnos nuestros errores.
    The ghost of the past always returns to remind us of our mistakes.

Etymology

The word fantasma comes from the Latin phantasma, which means "appearance" or "image," and is derived from the Greek phantasma (φάντασμα), which also translates to "image" or "apparition." The evolution of the term reflects its connections with spirituality and the concept of the supernatural.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Espectro (spectrum) - Aparición (appearance) - Último (spirit)

Antonyms: - Vida (life) - Realidad (reality) - Presente (presence)