autorretrato
/autoretɾato/from spelling rules
The English phrase self portrait is translated into Spanish as autorretrato.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of auto- (self) and retrato (portrait).
How does it change in a sentence?
autorretrato is a masculine noun. To refer to multiple self portraits, use the plural form autorretratos.
How do you pronounce it?
/autoretɾato/
Did you know?
- The Spanish retrato and the English 'portrait' both trace their roots back to the Latin 'retractus', which implies a 'drawing back' or 'pulling back'.
- Because autorretrato is a masculine noun, any adjectives describing the artist's self-portrayal must also be masculine, regardless of whether the artist is a woman.
- The double 'r' in autorretrato is a phonetic requirement of the Spanish language when the prefix auto- meets the 'r' of retrato, creating a strong, trilled sound.
Examples in context
- Si conocemos su rostro, se lo debemos a él que nos dejó su autorretrato.If we know his face, we owe it to him, since he left us his self-portrait.This sentence illustrates how to use autorretrato when referring to a person's likeness left behind.Tatoeba #1127767 by marcelostockle, translation #1127906 by marcelostockle
- Durante la exposición de arte, el artista habló apasionadamente sobre su autorretrato.During the art exhibition, the artist passionately spoke about his self-portrait.
- Ella pintó un autorretrato muy realista.She painted a very realistic self portrait.
- Ese autorretrato está en la galería principal.That self portrait is in the main gallery.
Example conversation
At an art museum.
- Elena¿Te gusta este autorretrato de Velázquez?Do you like this self portrait by Velázquez?
- MateoSí, es impresionante, Elena.Yes, it is impressive, Elena.
- ElenaCreo que es su mejor obra.I think it is his best work.
- MateoEstoy de acuerdo contigo.I agree with you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries autorretrato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
