rol

/rohl/

role

A colorful storybook illustration of a person wearing a theatrical crown and a velvet cape, standing on a stage.

The word 'rol' can refer to the role or part played by an actor.

rol(noun)

mA2

role

a function or part played by someone

Also:

part

an actor's character or a person's responsibility

RPG

specifically in the context of role-playing games

📝 In Action

Cada miembro del equipo tiene un rol específico.

Each member of the team has a specific role.

Ella aceptó el rol principal en la obra de teatro.

She accepted the lead role in the play.

Los fines de semana jugamos juegos de rol con amigos.

On weekends we play role-playing games with friends.

Word Connections

Synonyms

papel (role/paper)
función (function)
tarea (task)

Common Collocations

juego de rol – role-playing game (RPG)
desempeñar un rol – to play/fulfill a role
rol social – social role

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'el' with rol

Since 'rol' ends in a consonant and is masculine, always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Rol vs. Rollo

Mistake: "Using 'rol' to mean a physical roll of paper."

Correction: Use 'rollo' for physical objects (like toilet paper) and 'rol' for abstract functions or parts in a play.

⭐ Usage Tips

Actor's Roles

In movies and theater, you can use both 'rol' and 'papel'. 'Papel' is slightly more traditional in Spanish, but 'rol' is very common now.

A colorful storybook illustration of a group of sailors in striped shirts standing in a line on the wooden deck of a ship.

In a nautical context, 'rol' refers to the crew list or muster roll of a ship.

rol(noun)

mC1

muster roll

nautical crew list

Also:

list

official registration of a ship's crew

📝 In Action

El capitán debe anotar a todos los marineros en el rol de tripulación.

The captain must list all sailors on the muster roll.

Word Connections

Synonyms

nómina (payroll/list)
matrícula (registration)

Common Collocations

rol de tripulación – crew list

💡 Grammar Points

Specialized Vocabulary

This meaning is very rare in daily conversation; you will likely only see it if you are reading about maritime law or history.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: rol

Question 1 of 2

If you are playing a character in a movie, which word would you use?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

enrolar(to enroll/recruit) - verb

enrolamiento(enlistment) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'rol' a common word?

Yes, it is very common in modern Spanish to talk about someone's function at work, in a family, or in a game.

What is the difference between 'rol' and 'papel'?

In many cases, they are interchangeable. 'Papel' is the older, more traditional word for an actor's part, while 'rol' is a more modern term often used for social or professional functions.

Does 'rol' mean a bread roll?

No. For a bread roll, use 'bollo', 'panecillo', or 'panecito'.