retrato
/reh-TRAH-toh/
portrait
A retrato is a portrait, which can be a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person.
retrato(noun)
portrait
?painting, drawing, or photograph of a person
likeness
?exact visual representation
,picture
?when specifically referring to a photo of a person's face
📝 In Action
Mi abuela tiene un retrato antiguo de su padre en la sala.
A2My grandmother has an old portrait of her father in the living room.
El fotógrafo hizo un retrato en blanco y negro muy dramático.
B1The photographer took a very dramatic black and white portrait.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Remember that 'retrato' is masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el retrato'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Retrato' and 'Pintura'
Mistake: "Using 'pintura' when you specifically mean a picture of a person's face."
Correction: Use 'retrato' for the image of a person; 'pintura' is the general word for 'painting' (e.g., a landscape).
⭐ Usage Tips
Visualizing the Word
Think of the root verb 'retratar' (to portray). A 'retrato' is the finished product of that action.
Figuratively, retrato can mean a portrayal or depiction of character, often highlighting the essence of a person or thing.
retrato(noun)
portrayal
?figurative description or depiction
profile
?detailed written account of a person
,snapshot
?a brief, vivid depiction of a situation
📝 In Action
La película es un retrato honesto de la juventud de los años noventa.
B2The film is an honest portrayal of youth in the nineties.
El biógrafo ofreció un retrato psicológico muy profundo del artista.
C1The biographer offered a very deep psychological profile of the artist.
💡 Grammar Points
Abstract Use
In this sense, 'retrato' means a verbal or written picture, capturing the essence of something abstract, like an era or a feeling.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using Adjectives
This meaning pairs well with strong adjectives like 'fiel' (faithful), 'crudo' (raw), 'detallado' (detailed), or 'íntimo' (intimate).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: retrato
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'retrato' in its figurative, descriptive sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'retrato' and 'cuadro'?
'Retrato' specifically means a picture (painting or photo) of a person. 'Cuadro' is a much more general term for 'painting' or 'picture' and can refer to landscapes, abstract art, or anything else framed on a wall.