actor
“actor” means “actor” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
actor
Also: performer
📝 In Action
Mi actor favorito ganó un premio anoche.
A1My favorite actor won an award last night.
El joven actor estaba muy nervioso antes de subir al escenario.
A2The young actor was very nervous before going on stage.
Necesitan un actor con experiencia para este papel dramático.
B1They need an experienced actor for this dramatic role.
agent
Also: participant, stakeholder
📝 In Action
Los actores sociales están pidiendo una reforma educativa.
B2The social agents (or stakeholders) are calling for educational reform.
El gobierno es el principal actor en esta negociación internacional.
C1The government is the main participant in this international negotiation.
Hay varios actores económicos que influyen en el precio del petróleo.
C1There are several economic factors (or agents) that influence the price of oil.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: actor
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'actor' in its formal, non-performing meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word *āctor*, which meant 'doer,' 'performer,' or 'agent.' This explains why the Spanish word keeps both meanings: someone who *does* things (an agent) and someone who *does* a performance (a stage actor).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'actor' ever used for a woman?
While technically possible in some very specialized legal contexts, in everyday Spanish, the standard word for a female performer is 'actriz'. You should always use 'actriz' for women in film or theater.
If I am talking about a group of male and female actors, which word should I use?
When referring to a mixed group, use the masculine plural form: 'los actores'. For example, 'Los actores de la película son excelentes' (The actors/cast of the movie are excellent).