recursos literarios
/rekuɾsos liteɾaɾjos/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for "literary devices" is recursos literarios.
The phrase refers to the techniques used by writers to convey a message or create a specific effect in a piece of literature.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of recursos, meaning resources or tools and literarios, meaning literary.
Which one should you use?
While recursos literarios is the standard term, you may encounter figuras retóricas (rhetorical figures), which is a common synonym used in academic and literary contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the term Recursos Poéticos is occasionally used instead of Recursos Literarios.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is masculine and plural, so both the noun and the adjective must end in -os. If you wish to refer to a single literary device, use the singular form recurso literario.
How do you pronounce it?
/rekuɾsos liteɾaɾjos/
Did you know?
- Spanish writers often use recursos literarios to create jitanjáfora, a device where words are chosen for their sound rather than meaning to create a rhythmic or musical effect.
- The word recurso is used in both literature and law to describe a 'resource' or a 'remedy'. While a writer uses a recurso literario to craft a story, a lawyer files a recurso to appeal a court decision.
- In Spanish poetry, the effect of these devices is tied to métrica, where the total syllable count of a line can change depending on whether words blend together.
Examples in context
- El corazón late como un tambor.The heart beats like a drum.
- Sus palabras eran flechas que atravesaban mi alma.His words were arrows piercing my soul.
- El viento susurraba entre los árboles.The wind whispered amongst the trees.
- El autor utiliza diversos recursos literarios en su novela.The author uses various literary devices in his novel.
- ¿Podemos analizar los recursos literarios de este poema?Can we analyze the literary devices of this poem?
- Los recursos literarios ayudan a crear una atmósfera oscura.Literary devices help to create a dark atmosphere.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a book in a university library.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿entiendes los recursos literarios de este capítulo?Lucía, do you understand the literary devices in this chapter?
- LucíaNo mucho, me parecen bastante complicados.Not much, they seem quite complicated to me.
- AlejandroYo puedo ayudarte a identificarlos si quieres.I can help you identify them if you want.
- LucíaGracias, Alejandro, sería de gran ayuda.Thanks, Alejandro, that would be a great help.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
