Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| títere | /ˈtiteɾe/ | masculine |
| marioneta | /maɾjoˈneta/ | feminine |
| fantoche | /fanˈtot͡ʃe/ | masculine |
A puppet refers to a movable model of a person or animal. In certain contexts, especially in Latin American countries, the word muñeco (which primarily means doll) may be used to describe a puppet. If you are referring specifically to a puppet made of fabric or cloth, you can use muñeco de trapo. Additionally, Guiñol is a term associated with a specific type of puppet theater, often involving hand puppets in miniature theaters.
Which one should you use?
The term fantoche is a colloquial way to describe a puppet, but it carries a derogatory connotation, implying that the puppet or person is a ridiculous, empty or insignificant figure.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the word muñeco is used informally to describe a puppet.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun títere becomes títeres in its plural form. The feminine noun marioneta becomes marionetas in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtiteɾe/
Did you know?
- The word marioneta is a loanword from the French 'marionnette', which itself originates from a diminutive of the name 'Marie'.
- The word títere is believed to be onomatopoeic, meaning it was originally created to mimic the specific sounds associated with the movement or the character of a puppet.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, there is a sharp distinction between a muñeco de trapo and a títere, as the former is often viewed as a comforting toy while the latter is a tool for performance.
Examples in context
- Este títere es mi único amigo.This puppet is my only friend.This sentence uses títere to show a person's relationship with a puppet.Tatoeba #2304143 by marcelostockle, translation #2242087 by rockelle
- Una marioneta no sabe que está siendo manipulada.A puppet does not know that it is being controlled.This sentence uses marioneta to describe a puppet being controlled.Tatoeba #1434233 by marcelostockle, translation #1487438 by marshmallowcat
- El ministro de asuntos exteriores era una marioneta.The Foreign Minister was a puppet.This sentence uses marioneta to describe a person acting as a political puppet.Tatoeba #1292178 by marcelostockle, translation #810890 by U2FS
- Las marionetas son populares en los espectáculos de teatro y la ópera.Puppets are popular in theater shows and opera.
- Los títeres son una excelente forma de entretenimiento para los niños.Puppets are an excellent form of entertainment for children.
- En el parque, había un espectáculo de guiñol para los niños.In the park, there was a puppet show for children.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are looking at a children's theater show.
- Mateo¡Mira ese títere tan colorido, Sofía!Look at that colorful puppet, Sofía!
- SofíaEs muy bonito, Mateo.It is very pretty, Mateo.
- MateoEl actor lo mueve con mucha habilidad.The actor moves it with great skill.
- SofíaSí, parece que tiene vida propia.Yes, it looks like it has a life of its own.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puppet” translations and entries títere, marioneta, fantoche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fantoche, marioneta, títere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
