Inklingo

actor

ak-TÓRakˈtoɾ

actor

Also: performer
NounmA1
Mexico
A male actor in a simple costume bowing dramatically on a stage illuminated by a single spotlight.

📝 In Action

Mi actor favorito ganó un premio anoche.

A1

My favorite actor won an award last night.

El joven actor estaba muy nervioso antes de subir al escenario.

A2

The young actor was very nervous before going on stage.

Necesitan un actor con experiencia para este papel dramático.

B1

They need an experienced actor for this dramatic role.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • intérprete (performer)
  • artista (artist)

Common Collocations

  • actor de cinefilm actor
  • actor principallead actor

agent

Also: participant, stakeholder
NounmB2formal
A stylized hand pushing the first block in a long line of standing wooden blocks, representing an agent causing a chain reaction or effect.

📝 In Action

Los actores sociales están pidiendo una reforma educativa.

B2

The social agents (or stakeholders) are calling for educational reform.

El gobierno es el principal actor en esta negociación internacional.

C1

The government is the main participant in this international negotiation.

Hay varios actores económicos que influyen en el precio del petróleo.

C1

There are several economic factors (or agents) that influence the price of oil.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • actores clavekey players
  • actores políticospolitical agents

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "actor" in Spanish:

actoragentparticipantperformerstakeholder

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: actor

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'actor' in its formal, non-performing meaning?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 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)

English: actorFrench: acteurPortuguese: ator

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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).