A close-up, simple illustration of a friendly human face, featuring large eyes and a gentle smile, set against a plain background.

rostro

ROS-troh

nounmA2

face?the front part of the head

Also:countenance?formal or literary aspect/expression,aspect?figurative meaning, e.g., the face of a situation

📝 In Action

Su rostro reflejaba una profunda tristeza.

His face reflected deep sadness.

La actriz era famosa por el rostro angelical que tenía.

The actress was famous for the angelic face she had.

El rostro de la ciudad ha cambiado mucho en los últimos años.

The face (aspect) of the city has changed a lot in recent years.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cara (face (everyday use))
semblante (countenance, expression)

Common Collocations

mostrar el rostro – to show one's face
lavarse el rostro – to wash one's face

Idioms & Expressions

dar el rostro – to face a difficult situation; to stand up for oneself

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though faces are universal, 'rostro' is always a masculine word, so it uses 'el' (el rostro) and masculine adjectives (un rostro bonito).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Rostro' and 'Cara'

Mistake: "Using 'rostro' in very casual, everyday conversation where 'cara' is more natural."

Correction: While both mean 'face,' use 'cara' (e.g., 'Tienes algo en la cara') for simple references, and save 'rostro' for talking about expressions, beauty, or in formal writing.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Casual

'Rostro' often carries a more emotional or symbolic weight than 'cara.' Think of 'rostro' when describing someone’s 'countenance' or 'look,' and 'cara' when referring to the physical part you wash.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: rostro

Question 1 of 1

Which word is the most common and casual way to say 'face' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

rostrillo(small ornamental face covering (historical)) - noun

rostral(rostral (relating to the beak or face)) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'rostro' masculine or feminine?

'Rostro' is a masculine noun. You always use 'el rostro' (the face) or 'un rostro' (a face).

Can 'rostro' be used to describe an animal's face?

No, typically not. 'Rostro' is reserved almost exclusively for human faces. For an animal, you would use 'cara' (face) or 'hocico' (muzzle/snout).