entre bastidores
/entɾe bastidoɾes/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'behind the scenes' can be translated into Spanish using several forms, most commonly entre bastidores. Wiktionary also lists detrás del telón and tras bambalinas.
Meaning: in secret, out of public view (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| entre bastidores | /entɾe bastidoɾes/ (from spelling rules) |
| detrás del telón | /detɾas del telon/ (from spelling rules) |
| tras bambalinas | /tɾas bambalinas/ (from spelling rules) |
These phrases are used to describe something happening in secret or out of public view.
What does it mean word for word?
The literal meanings of these forms provide insight into their origins: entre bastidores means 'between the scaffolds' or 'among the frames', referring to the structural supports of a stage. detrás del telón means 'behind the curtain'. And tras bambalinas means 'behind the wings' (the side areas of a stage).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, both tras bastidores and tras cámaras are commonly used. entre bastidores is a formal way to say 'behind the scenes' in Spanish, particularly in Latin America.
How do you pronounce it?
/entɾe bastidoɾes/
Did you know?
- The word bastidores can also refer to the wooden frames used by painters to stretch their canvases, not just the supports of a theater stage.
- In some contexts, tras bambalinas can be used to describe a person's shy personality, suggesting they prefer to stay in the 'wings' rather than in the spotlight.
- The word telón is formed by adding the suffix -ón to tela, meaning 'cloth'. This suffix is often used in Spanish to indicate that something is larger than usual.
Examples in context
- El director de teatro organizó una visita tras bastidores para los estudiantes de arte.The theater director organized a behind-the-scenes tour for the art students.
- La película muestra una interesante perspectiva detrás de cámaras sobre la vida de los actores.The movie provides an interesting behind-the-scenes perspective on the actors' lives.
- El diseñador de vestuario trabajó incansablemente entre bastidores para asegurarse de que todo estuviera listo para el espectáculo.The costume designer worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything was ready for the show.
- ¡No te puedes perder los bloopers que sucedieron tras cámaras durante el rodaje de la serie!You can't miss the bloopers that happened behind the scenes during the filming of the series!
- El público no conoce toda la magia que ocurre entre bambalinas antes de que se levante el telón.The audience doesn't know all the magic that happens behind the scenes before the curtain rises.
- La obra de teatro es fascinante, pero lo realmente interesante sucede detrás del escenario.The play is fascinating, but the truly interesting things happen behind the scenes.
- Todo se decidió entre bastidores.Everything was decided behind the scenes.
- Hay mucho trabajo entre bastidores.There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a political agreement.
- MaríaEl acuerdo parece muy sencillo.The agreement seems very simple.
- JavierSí, pero se negoció mucho entre bastidores.Yes, but it was negotiated a lot behind the scenes.
- María¿Quiénes participaron en esa negociación, Javier?Who participated in that negotiation, Javier?
- JavierSolo unos pocos líderes muy influyentes.Only a few very influential leaders.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “behind the scenes” translations and entries entre bastidores, 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.
