actuación
“actuación” means “performance” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
performance, acting
Also: show
📝 In Action
La actuación de la bailarina fue la mejor parte del festival.
A2The dancer's performance was the best part of the festival.
Su actuación en la película le ganó un premio importante.
B1His acting in the movie won him an important award.
La crítica dijo que la actuación del coro fue impecable.
B2The critics said the choir's performance was flawless.
action, intervention
Also: procedure, conduct
📝 In Action
La rápida actuación policial evitó un accidente grave en la autopista.
B2The rapid police action prevented a serious accident on the highway.
El plan de actuación de la empresa ante el incendio fue muy eficaz.
B2The company's action plan for the fire was very effective.
El juez revisó todas las actuaciones del caso antes de dictar sentencia.
C1The judge reviewed all the procedures (or actions) of the case before sentencing.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: actuación
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'actuación' in its artistic sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin *actio*, meaning 'the doing' or 'the action,' which is based on the verb *agere* (to do, to drive). The Spanish word kept this core meaning of 'doing,' which evolved into both 'performing' and 'taking official action.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'actuación' the same as 'acción'?
No, they are similar but not interchangeable. 'Acción' is a general word for 'action' or 'deed' (like a quick physical action or a stock share). 'Actuación' is specifically the performance of an artist OR the formal/professional conduct or procedure of an authority (like police or a judge).
How do I know if 'actuación' refers to acting or official action?
Look at the surrounding words! If you see words like 'teatro' (theater), 'música' (music), or 'artista' (artist), it means 'performance.' If you see words like 'policial' (police), 'legal' (legal), or 'juez' (judge), it means 'official action' or 'procedure.'