figura de acción
/fiɡuɾa de aɡθjon/from spelling rulesfeminine
The English phrase "action figure" is translated into Spanish as figura de acción. Wiktionary also lists muñeco de acción.
Meaning: children's toy (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| figura de acción | /fiɡuɾa de aɡθjon/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /fiɡuɾa de aɡsjon/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
feminine |
| muñeco de acción | /muɲeko de aɡθjon/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /muɲeko de aɡsjon/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
Both terms refer to a children's toy. When referring to the toy as a specific object or a general concept, the feminine form figura de acción is used because the head noun is feminine.
Which one should you use?
figura de acción is a feminine term, whereas muñeco de acción is a masculine term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you will commonly hear figura de acción or the formal figura articulada. In Argentina, action figures are often referred to as muñecos de acción.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, change the noun to its plural form while keeping the rest of the phrase the same: figuras de acción or muñecos de acción.
How do you pronounce it?
/fiɡuɾa de aɡθjon/
Did you know?
- While figura de acción is a direct translation of the English term, the Spanish word muñeco can also be used colloquially to describe a man who is exceptionally handsome. In this context, calling someone a muñeco is a compliment to their physical appearance.
- The term muñeco is actually a derivative of the word muñeca, which means 'doll'. This connection is why using muñeco for a detailed collectible might sometimes sound more childlike to certain Spanish speakers.
- While figura de acción is the standard translation, the term muñeco can be perceived as more childlike in Latin American contexts, whereas figura is the preferred term for high-end collector's items.
Examples in context
- Compré una figura de acción de superhéroe.I bought a superhero action figure.
- Esa figura de acción es muy cara.That action figure is very expensive.
- Busco una figura de acción de un superhéroe.I am looking for a superhero action figure.
- El niño juega con su figura de acción favorita.The boy plays with his favorite action figure.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking at toys in a store.
- Sofía¿Te gusta esta figura de acción, Mateo?Do you like this action figure, Mateo?
- MateoSí, es una figura de acción genial.Yes, it is a cool action figure.
- SofíaEs demasiado grande para un regalo.It is too big for a gift.
- MateoTienes razón, busquemos algo más pequeño.You are right, let's look for something smaller.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “action figure” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acción, de, figura, muñeco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
