aluminar

Aluminar is a verb used in Spanish and Portuguese that denotes providing light or making something luminous. It primarily refers to the act of lighting a space—turning on lamps, directing light, or otherwise making an environment visible. In professional fields such as architecture, interior design, stage lighting, and photography, aluminar describes the process of arranging and controlling light to achieve a specific effect or mood.

Aluminar can also be used metaphorically to mean enlightening or clarifying an issue or idea, similar to other light-related expressions. In many varieties of Spanish and Portuguese, however, iluminar is the more common term for both literal and figurative illumination, while aluminar appears in regional, historical, or technical usage.

Usage notes: Aluminar is understood in both languages but is less common than iluminar in everyday speech. It may be found in historical texts, literary writing, or specialized discussions of lighting design and related technical contexts. When in doubt, speakers often prefer iluminar for contemporary or general contexts, while aluminar can add a formal or technical nuance.