nounnounadjective

el fantasma

ghost

Es un ser que muchas personas creen que aparece después de la muerte y que no se puede tocar ni ver claramente.

Definition & meaning

The word "fantasma" has several layers of meaning in Spanish:

Ghost or Spirit: The most common definition refers to the supposed spirit of a deceased person that manifests itself to the living, often depicted as a translucent or ethereal figure.
Illusion or Phantom: It can describe something that is unreal, illusory, or exists only in the imagination. For example, a "fear" that has no basis in reality.
Colloquial (Show-off): In many Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and the Southern Cone, "fantasma" is used pejoratively to describe a person who is a "show-off," "phony," or "braggart." This person boasts about achievements, money, or skills they do not actually possess.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammatically, "fantasma" is a masculine noun (el fantasma), even though it ends in the letter "a." This is a common trait for Spanish nouns derived from Greek.

The word originates from the Ancient Greek "phantasma," which means "an appearance," "image," or "apparition." This Greek term is derived from the verb "phainein," meaning "to show" or "to make visible." It entered the Spanish language via the Latin "phantasma."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms: When referring to a spirit: espectro, espíritu, aparición, or visión. When referring to a boastful person: fanfarrón, presumido, or engreído.

Antonyms: In the sense of reality: realidad, cuerpo, or ente. In the sense of personality: modesto, humilde, or sencillo.