mímica
/ˈmimika/
The English phrase "caras y gestos" is translated into Spanish as mímica.
The phrase caras y gestos refers to the use of facial expressions and body movements to communicate without speaking. It is often used to describe how someone communicates through body language when words are unavailable or insufficient.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase caras y gestos is composed of the nouns caras (faces) and gestos (gestures) joined by the conjunction y (and).
Which one should you use?
While caras y gestos describes the components of non-verbal communication, the word mímica refers to the actual art or act of pantomime.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmimika/
Did you know?
- While caras y gestos refers to expressions, the phrase tener mucha cara is a common idiom used to describe someone who is incredibly shameless.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, hacer gestos can specifically mean to make a rude or mocking face at someone, rather than just communicating non-verbally.
- While mímica refers to the art of pantomime, the word comes from the Greek mimikos, which originally referred to the art of imitation in ancient theatre.
Examples in context
- Él usó mucha mímica para explicar la historia.He used a lot of mime to explain the story.
- No entiendo nada sin la mímica.I don't understand anything without the facial expressions and gestures.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are playing a guessing game.
- LucíaJavier, ahora te toca hacer mímica.Javier, now it is your turn to act it out.
- JavierEstá bien, mira mis manos.Alright, look at my hands.
- Lucía¿Es un perro?Is it a dog?
- Javier¡Sí, adivinaste!Yes, you guessed it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mímica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
