Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| argumento | /aɾɡuˈmento/ | masculine |
| trama | /ˈtɾama/ | feminine |
| hilo argumental | /ilo aɾɡumental/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| intriga | /inˈtɾiɡa/ | feminine |
The term refers to the course of a story. You can use argumento to describe the logical sequence of events or a summary of the story. Use trama when emphasizing the intricate structure or how different elements of the story are interconnected. If the plot is specifically driven by suspense, mystery or conspiracy, intriga is the appropriate term.
Which one should you use?
While both argumento and trama translate to plot, they have different nuances. Argumento is more commonly used to refer to the summary or the logical sequence of events. In contrast, trama emphasizes the intricate structure or the 'weaving' of a story. Because of this emphasis on structure, the phrase giro de la trama is used to express the concept of a 'plot twist'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/aɾɡuˈmento/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using argumento as a false friend. While it can mean a reasoning or a justification, it does not mean a verbal fight or disagreement, which is actually discusión.
Did you know?
- The English word 'file' is actually a distant relative of the Spanish word hilo, as both can be traced back to the same linguistic roots.
- In Spanish, the word trama is not just a literary term but is used in textile work to describe the 'woof' or 'weft' of a fabric.
- While argumento describes the plot, the word intriga can also describe a secret scheme or a conspiracy to manipulate other people.
Examples in context
- No me gustó el argumento de la película.I didn't like the plot of the movie.This sentence shows how to express a dislike for the argumento of a film.Tatoeba #2258741 by hayastan, translation #2258740 by _undertoad
- La trama era tan complicada que no la pude seguir.The plot was so complicated that I couldn't follow it.This sentence illustrates how to describe a trama that is too complicated to follow.Tatoeba #1859581 by marcelostockle, translation #9341256 by cazort
- La trama de la novela da un giro brusco inesperado al final del capítulo 22.The novel has an unexpected plot twist at the end of chapter 22.This sentence demonstrates how to describe an unexpected change in the trama of a novel.Tatoeba #13812859 by Seael, translation #13839843 by frpzzd
- La trama de la novela es cautivadora y llena de giros inesperados.The plot of the novel is captivating and full of unexpected twists.
- El argumento de la película presenta una apasionante historia de amor y aventuras.The plot of the movie presents a thrilling story of love and adventure.
- ¡La historia de esa película me mantuvo al borde del asiento todo el tiempo!The plot of that movie kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing a book they just finished reading.
- LucíaMe encantó el argumento de este libro.I loved the plot of this book.
- DanielYo creo que el argumento es demasiado simple.I think the plot is too simple.
- LucíaPero el final es muy sorprendente, Daniel.But the ending is very surprising, Daniel.
- DanielTienes razón, eso rescató la historia.You are right, that saved the story.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plot” translations and entries argumento, trama, intriga, 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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries argumental, argumento, hilo, intriga, trama, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
