Spanish Words That Start With L (And Why You’ll Love Learning Them!)

Hey Language Lover — Let’s Talk About the Letter L in Spanish

Have you ever tried to learn a new language and felt totally overwhelmed? You’re not alone. One way to make things less intimidating is to break things down — and today, we’re diving into Spanish words that start with the letter “L.” Why L? Because it’s loaded (pun intended!) with useful, beautiful, and even funny words that you’ll actually use.

Whether you’re prepping for a trip to Mexico, chatting with your Spanish-speaking neighbors, or just want to impress your crush by whispering “lindo” in the perfect accent (it means “cute,” by the way), you’re in the right place.

Let’s explore over 100 Spanish words that start with L — from simple nouns to spicy verbs, descriptive adjectives, and even those dramatic double “LL” words. Vamos!

Why Focus on One Letter? (Hint: It Actually Works)

You might be thinking: “Is it really helpful to focus on just one letter?” Absolutely.

Here’s why this trick works:

• It’s less overwhelming than trying to memorize a million random words.

• You spot patterns faster (trust me, “llamar,” “llevar,” and “llegar” will suddenly click).

• L is everywhere in Spanish! Think of “luz” (light), “libro” (book), or “loco” (crazy — like how Spanish learners feel sometimes).

And hey, if you’ve ever played Spanish Scrabble or Duolingo challenges, you know the letter L is a goldmine.

📚 Nouns That Start With L: The Backbone of Your Sentences

Let’s start with the basics — nouns. These are the people, places, and things of the Spanish world.

Here are a few you’ll definitely use:

• Libro – Book (because you’ll be reading lots of them!)

• Leche – Milk (breakfast in Spanish? ¡Leche y pan!)

• Luz – Light

• Lugar – Place

• León – Lion 🦁 (or a bold nickname)

• Lago – Lake

• Luna – Moon (also a beautiful baby name!)

• Ladrón – Thief (hopefully not a word you’ll need often)

• Lengua – Tongue or Language (yep, both)

• Lápiz – Pencil (every Spanish student’s sidekick)

Real Talk: I once used “luz” instead of “lujo” when describing a “luxurious” hotel. The receptionist smiled and asked if I meant the hotel had good lighting. We laughed — and I never forgot the word lujo again.

🔥 Verbs That Start With L: Words That Do the Work

Here’s where the magic happens. Verbs bring your sentences to life.

• Leer – To read

• Llamar – To call (yes, like on your phone!)

• Lavar – To wash (clothes, hands, sins — your call)

• Llevar – To carry / To wear

• Llegar – To arrive

• Luchar – To fight or struggle (especially with Spanish verbs 😉)

• Levantar – To lift or get up

• Lastimar – To hurt (yourself, your heart, or someone’s ego)

• Ladrar – To bark (your dog will thank you)

• Lanzar – To throw or launch

Quick Tip: Think of a morning routine and you’ll naturally use at least 3 of these verbs!

💃 Adjectives That Start With L: Spice Up Your Descriptions

Want to sound poetic, romantic, or just more expressive? These adjectives are your BFFs.

• Lindo/a – Pretty, cute (a go-to compliment!)

• Lento/a – Slow (good for describing your Monday mood)

• Leal – Loyal

• Limpio/a – Clean

• Largo/a – Long

• Ligero/a – Light (as in weight or feeling)

• Listo/a – Ready / Smart (depends on the context — tricky but cool)

• Libre – Free (¡Viva la libertad!)

• Luminoso/a – Bright

• Lujoso/a – Luxurious

Fun Fact: When someone calls you “listo,” don’t panic. They’re not listing you — it means you’re clever (or just ready to go).

✨ Adverbs Starting with L: Add Drama & Detail

Spanish adverbs can get… intense. But in a good way!

• Lentamente – Slowly

• Libremente – Freely

• Literalmente – Literally (because every Gen Z text includes it)

• Lógicamente – Logically

• Levemente – Slightly

• Laboriosamente – Laboriously

• Lúdicamente – Playfully

• Luminosamente – Brightly

• Lánguidamente – Languidly (say that 3 times fast)

These help you sound like you know what you’re doing — or like you’re quoting a dramatic telenovela.

What’s the Deal with LL Words? Double the Trouble?

Ah yes, the iconic double L — “LL.”

In Spanish, “LL” is kind of its own letter. Depending on where you are (Spain vs. Latin America), it might sound like a Y, J, or even SH. Yep, that’s not a typo.

Here are some “LL” words you’ll hear a lot:

• Llamar – To call

• Llave – Key (literal and metaphorical)

• Lluvia – Rain (get your umbrella)

• Llorar – To cry (Spanish soap operas again!)

• Lleno/a – Full (great after tacos)

• Llama – Flame… or the animal 🦙

• Llanura – Plain (the geographical kind)

Pro Tip: “Yo me llamo…” means “My name is…” but literally, it’s “I call myself…” Deep, huh?

You Might Also Like:

• Spanish Words That Start with V – 100+ Must-Know Vocabulary
• Spanish Words That Start with Y: A Comprehensive Guide
• Spanish Words That Start with U: Unlocking a Unique Slice of Vocabulary Fun

How to Actually Remember These Words

Memorization isn’t fun. Unless you turn it into a game.

Here’s how to keep those “L” words locked in:

✔️ Make flashcards — digital or sticky notes all over your mirror
✔️ Watch Spanish Netflix with subtitles (and pause to write down words)
✔️ Say them out loud (yes, to your dog counts)
✔️ Use them in real conversations — even if it’s with Siri
✔️ Write silly sentences using 5+ L words (Example: “Lola llevó leche lentamente a la luna.”)

Final Thoughts: Love at First L

Learning a language doesn’t have to feel like a boring school assignment. With a little creativity and a focus — like mastering Spanish words that start with L — you can actually have fun and make real progress.

So next time you’re chatting in Spanish or watching a movie with subtitles, keep an ear out for those lovely “L” words. They’re everywhere, and now you’re one step closer to sounding like a native.