imagen
/ee-MAH-hen/
image
This definition of imagen refers to a literal visual representation, like a photograph or painting.
imagen(noun)
image
?visual representation
,picture
?photo or drawing
figure
?religious statue
,snapshot
?brief visual
📝 In Action
Me encanta la imagen que tomaste de la puesta de sol.
A1I love the picture you took of the sunset.
La televisión tiene una imagen muy clara y nítida.
A2The television has a very clear and sharp picture.
En la iglesia había una imagen antigua de la virgen.
B1In the church there was an old statue of the virgin.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun Trick
Even though 'imagen' ends in '-en' and doesn't end in '-a', it is a feminine noun. Remember to use 'la' or 'una': la imagen.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "El imagen es bonita."
Correction: La imagen es bonita. (It's a tricky one, but nouns ending in -gen like *imagen* are usually feminine.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Imagen vs. Foto
'Imagen' is a general term for any visual representation (a mental image, a drawing, a photo). 'Foto' is specific only to photographs.
Imagen can also mean reputation or public perception—how a person or organization is viewed by others.
imagen(noun)
image
?reputation or public perception
,brand identity
?corporate image
profile
?in a public sense
,look
?personal style
📝 In Action
El presidente está tratando de mejorar su imagen después del escándalo.
B1The president is trying to improve his image after the scandal.
Ella proyecta una imagen de gran confianza y profesionalismo.
B2She projects an image of great confidence and professionalism.
Necesitamos cambiar la imagen corporativa de la empresa.
C1We need to change the corporate image (or branding) of the company.
💡 Grammar Points
Actions and Image
When talking about building or maintaining a reputation, Spanish often uses verbs like proyectar (to project), mejorar (to improve), or cuidar (to take care of).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: imagen
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'imagen' to mean 'reputation' or 'public profile'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'imagen' masculine or feminine?
'Imagen' is feminine: *la imagen*. This is a common confusion because many Spanish nouns ending in consonants are masculine, but words ending in -gen, like *imagen* and *origen*, can be exceptions. However, *origen* is masculine, making *imagen* one you simply have to memorize as feminine.
What is the difference between 'imagen' and 'foto'?
'Foto' is short for *fotografía* and specifically means a photo taken with a camera. 'Imagen' is much broader; it refers to any visual representation, whether it's a painting, a graphic, a picture in your mind, or a public perception.