teatro
/teˈatɾo/
The English phrase "theatre" is teatro in Spanish.
The word teatro is used to refer to both the physical building where performances take place and the art form of drama itself. While teatro covers the venue, the word escenario primarily means "stage," though it can also be used to refer more broadly to a theater or a venue.
Which one should you use?
While teatro is the standard term, the colloquial term teatrillo can be used to refer specifically to a "little theatre" or small local theaters.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of teatro is teatros.
How do you pronounce it?
/teˈatɾo/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the phrase hacer teatro can be used figuratively to mean 'to pretend' or 'to act' in a deceptive way in real life.
- The word teatro is used in the common expression teatro de operaciones, which refers to a 'theater of operations' or a specific area of military activity.
- The word teatro shares an ancient root with the English word 'theatre' through the Greek verb theáomai, which means 'to look at' or 'to behold'.
Examples in context
- Soy aficionado al teatro.I am a theatre lover.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal interest in teatro.Tatoeba #5716548 by arh, translation #5827459 by arh
- Él va a menudo al teatro.He often goes to the theatre.This sentence is useful for describing a habit of going to the teatro.Tatoeba #10095128 by manufrutos, translation #10089750 by sundown
- Fue con su mujer al teatro.He was at the theatre with his wife.This sentence is useful for describing a past visit to the teatro.Tatoeba #12443399 by emma_zunz, translation #12119031 by sundown
- Me encanta el teatro clásicoI love classical theatre
- ¿Has ido al teatro recientemente?Have you been to the theatre recently?
- Nunca me canso de ver teatrillo callejero en mi ciudadI never get tired of watching street theater in my city
- El teatro es una forma de arte fascinante y emotivaTheatre is a fascinating and emotional art form
- Admiro la creatividad y el talento de los actores de teatroI admire the creativity and talent of theatre actors
- La magia del teatro siempre me transporta a un mundo diferenteThe magic of theatre always transports me to a different world
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are deciding where to meet for their date.
- Mateo¿Quieres ir al teatro esta noche?Do you want to go to the theatre tonight?
- ElenaSí, me encanta el teatro.Yes, I love the theatre.
- MateoPerfecto, te espero en la entrada del teatro.Perfect, I'll wait for you at the theatre entrance.
- ElenaDe acuerdo, allí estaré.Alright, I'll be there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry teatro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries teatro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
