retratando
/retɾatando/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'portraying' is translated into Spanish as retratando.
retratando can refer to a literal portrait (like a painting or photograph), but it is also used metaphorically to describe the depiction of a character or a situation in art or literature.
How do you pronounce it?
/retɾatando/
Did you know?
- The word 'retrato' (the root of retratando) can be used in the phrase retrato hablado, which refers to a 'composite sketch' used by police to portray a suspect.
- The verb retratar can be used in a critical sense to mean 'exposing' someone's true, often unflattering, nature in a public way.
- The word retrato shares a root with trazo, meaning 'stroke' or 'line'. This highlights that portraying in Spanish is conceptually linked to the physical act of drawing a line.
Examples in context
- La actriz está representando un papel desafiante en la obra de teatro.The actress is portraying a challenging role in the play.
- El documental está describiendo la vida de un luchador incansable.The documentary is portraying the life of a tireless fighter.
- La película está representando la lucha por la libertad en la sociedad.The movie is portraying the struggle for freedom in society.
- Él está interpretando a un detective astuto en esa serie de televisión.He is portraying a cunning detective in that TV series.
- Ella está encarnando la rebeldía juvenil en su música.She is portraying youthful rebellion in her music.
- El actor está encarnando al famoso escritor en la nueva producción teatral.The actor is portraying the famous writer in the new theater production.
- El fotógrafo está mostrando la belleza de la naturaleza en sus imágenes.The photographer is portraying the beauty of nature in his images.
- Está retratando la vida en el campo.He is portraying life in the countryside.
- El autor está retratando a la protagonista de forma positiva.The author is portraying the protagonist in a positive way.
- Siguen retratando la realidad de la ciudad.They continue portraying the reality of the city.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- DanielMira este cuadro, está retratando la soledad.Look at this painting, it is portraying loneliness.
- ElenaEs verdad, los colores son muy tristes.It is true, the colors are very sad.
- DanielCreo que el artista logró transmitir el sentimiento.I think the artist managed to convey the feeling.
- ElenaSí, es una obra muy poderosa, Daniel.Yes, it is a very powerful work, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
