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rostros

ROHS-trohsˈrostɾos

“rostros” means “faces” in Spanish (plural form of human facial features).

faces

Also: countenances
NounmB1
A collection of several diverse and smiling human faces shown together in a friendly group.

📝 In Action

Vi muchos rostros conocidos en la multitud.

A2

I saw many familiar faces in the crowd.

Los rostros de los niños reflejaban pura felicidad.

B1

The children's faces reflected pure happiness.

Es una ciudad de mil rostros.

B2

It is a city of a thousand faces.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • caras (faces)
  • semblantes (facial expressions)
  • facciones (features)

Common Collocations

  • rostros pálidos – pale faces
  • rostros familiares – familiar faces
  • lavarse los rostros – to wash one's faces

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "rostros" in Spanish:

countenances→faces→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: rostros

Question 1 of 1

Which word is more likely to be used in a newspaper article or a novel to describe people's faces?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
rostro(face) — Noun
desrostrarse(to break or damage one's face) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'rostrum', which originally meant a bird's beak or a ship's prow. Over centuries, Spanish speakers began using it to describe the human face in a more formal or descriptive way.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: rostrumPortuguese: rostos

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'rostros' more formal than 'caras'?

Yes, 'rostros' has a slightly more elevated or formal feel. You'll hear 'caras' in the supermarket, but you'll read 'rostros' in a poem or a news report.

Can I use 'rostros' for the face of a clock?

No. For a clock face, you must use 'esfera' or 'cara'. 'Rostros' is specifically for human countenances.