marco de fotos
/maɾko de fotos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "picture frame" is translated into Spanish as marco de fotos.
The term marco de fotos is used to describe a frame into which a picture is placed. While marco de fotos is a common way to express this, you may also encounter portarretratos, which is a compound noun specifically used for frames designed to hold portraits or photographs.
Meaning: frame into which a picture is placed (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase marco de fotos is composed of marco (frame), de (of) and fotos (photos), literally translating to "frame of photos".
Which one should you use?
The word marco on its own refers to any kind of frame, such as a window frame or a door frame, whereas marco de fotos is specific to a picture frame. Additionally, portarretratos is a common alternative specifically used for frames meant for portraits or photos.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural "picture frames", you pluralize the noun marco to marcos while keeping the rest of the phrase the same, resulting in marcos de fotos.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɾko de fotos/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, marco can also refer to a specific measurement of weight or currency, as it was borrowed from the Medieval Latin term for a mark.
- Beyond art, marco is used in Spanish to describe the general context or setting of a situation. For example, the phrase en el marco de is often used to mean 'within the framework of' a specific event.
- The term portarretratos is a compound of portar (to carry/hold) and retratos (portraits). This creates a literal meaning of 'portrait-carrier' rather than just a 'frame'.
Examples in context
- Me encanta ese portarretrato de madera que tienes en tu sala.I love that wooden picture frame you have in your living room.
- ¿Sabes dónde puedo conseguir un marco asequible para esta foto?Do you know where I can get an affordable frame for this picture?
- Mi abuelo tiene un cuadro antiguo con un marco dorado muy hermoso.My grandfather has an old painting with a beautiful golden frame.
- El marco de fotos es de madera.The picture frame is made of wood.
- Necesito un marco de fotos para esta imagen.I need a picture frame for this image.
- Ese marco de fotos es muy elegante.That picture frame is very elegant.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are decorating their living room.
- ElenaMira este marco de fotos, Javier.Look at this picture frame, Javier.
- JavierEs muy bonito, Elena.It is very pretty, Elena.
- Elena¿Crees que combina con la pared?Do you think it matches the wall?
- JavierSí, queda perfecto ahí.Yes, it looks perfect there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, marco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
