escenario
“escenario” means “stage” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
stage
Also: set
📝 In Action
El cantante apareció en el escenario y la gente aplaudió.
A2The singer appeared on the stage and the people applauded.
Ayer montaron un escenario enorme para el festival de música.
A2Yesterday they built a huge stage for the music festival.
El equipo técnico se encargó del diseño del escenario.
B1The technical team was in charge of the stage design (set design).
scenario, setting
Also: situation, backdrop
📝 In Action
Tenemos que prepararnos para el peor escenario posible.
B1We have to prepare ourselves for the worst possible scenario.
El escenario político ha cambiado mucho en el último mes.
B2The political setting (or context) has changed a lot in the last month.
Este nuevo acuerdo crea un escenario optimista para el futuro de la empresa.
C1This new agreement creates an optimistic scenario for the future of the company.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: escenario
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'escenario' in its most abstract sense (a possible situation)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Late Latin *scēnarium*, which derived from the Greek word *skēnē*. The original meaning of *skēnē* was 'tent' or 'hut,' referring to the temporary structure used by actors behind the stage in ancient Greek theater. It evolved to mean the backdrop or setting, and later, the platform itself.
First recorded: 15th 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
How do I know whether 'escenario' means 'stage' or 'scenario'?
Look at the context! If the sentence involves actors, music, plays, or a physical structure, it means 'stage.' If it involves planning, business, politics, or potential outcomes, it means 'scenario' or 'situation'.
If I am performing, do I say I am 'en la escena' or 'en el escenario'?
You are 'en el escenario' (on the stage). 'En la escena' usually means you are currently in a specific part of a script (in the scene) or at the location of an event (at the scene).