actor
/ak-TÓR/
actor
A performer on stage, illustrating the meaning of 'actor' as a male performer in film or theater.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Since 'actor' ends in -r, it is a masculine noun. Always use masculine articles (el, un) and masculine adjectives (e.g., el actor famoso).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Genders
Mistake: "Using 'el actriz' or 'la actor'."
Correction: The word for a female performer is 'actriz' (la actriz). The word 'actor' is only for males (el actor).
⭐ Usage Tips
Word Family Connection
Remember the related verb 'actuar' (to act). An 'actor' is someone who performs that action.
An agent or cause initiating a change, demonstrating the secondary meaning of 'actor' as someone or something that causes an effect.
actor(noun)
agent
?someone or something that causes an effect or change
participant
?a key person or group involved
,stakeholder
?in political/economic discussion
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Contexts
This meaning is often found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports. It emphasizes someone who performs a function or holds power.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Literal Translation
Mistake: "Thinking 'actor' always means 'performer' when reading formal texts."
Correction: In formal Spanish, if the context is economics or politics, 'actor' usually means 'key player' or 'force that makes things happen'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Gender Neutrality
When used in the sense of 'agent' or 'stakeholder' (Meaning 2), 'actor' often refers to an organization or group, making the masculine gender less about biological sex and more about the grammatical role.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: actor
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'actor' in its formal, non-performing meaning?
📚 More Resources
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).