ir entre bastidores
/iɾ entɾe bastidoɾes/from spelling rules
To go backstage in Spanish is ir entre bastidores.
This phrase is used to describe the action of moving to the area behind a theater stage that is hidden from the audience. Additionally, the component entre bastidores can function as a noun phrase to refer to the backstage area itself.
Which one should you use?
While ir entre bastidores is a standard way to express this, ir tras bambalinas is a common alternative that also means to go backstage.
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ entɾe bastidoɾes/
Did you know?
- If you wanted to say 'I went' using the verb from the phrase, you would say fui, which is a strange grammatical quirk because it actually derives from the Latin 'esse', meaning 'to be'.
- The word bastidores originally referred to the wooden frames used to stretch canvas for paintings. In theater, these frames became the side curtains that hide actors from the audience.
- While 'going backstage' is the literal meaning, in Spanish, the idiom entre bastidores can also be used metaphorically to describe things happening 'behind the scenes' in politics or business.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría tener acceso al backstage, por favor?Could I have access to the backstage, please?
- Me gustaría ir al backstage si es posible.I would like to go backstage if possible.
- ¿Sería tan amable de permitirme ir al backstage?Would you be so kind as to allow me to go backstage?
- Quisiera solicitar autorización para acceder al backstage.I would like to request authorization to access the backstage.
- ¿Puedes hacer que vayamos al backstage?Can you make it so we can go backstage?
- Me gustaría conocer a [Artist's Name] en persona. ¿Podría ayudarme a ir al backstage?I would like to meet [Artist's Name] in person. Could you help me go backstage?
- Le agradezco mucho por considerar mi solicitud. Sería un gran honor poder ir al backstage.Thank you very much for considering my request. It would be a great honor to go backstage.
- El actor debe ir entre bastidores ahora.The actor must go backstage now.
- ¿Puedo ir entre bastidores para ver el vestuario?Can I go backstage to see the costumes?
- Ella decidió ir entre bastidores tras la función.She decided to go backstage after the performance.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are watching a play at a theater.
- MateoLucía, ¿quieres ir entre bastidores?Lucía, do you want to go backstage?
- Lucía¡Sí! Me encantaría conocer el teatro.Yes! I would love to see the theater.
- MateoConozco al actor principal.I know the lead actor.
- LucíaEntonces vamos rápido.Then let's go quickly.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries entre, ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
