telenovela
“telenovela” means “soap opera” in Spanish (television drama series).
soap opera
Also: TV drama, serial
📝 In Action
Mi abuela nunca se pierde su telenovela favorita.
A1My grandmother never misses her favorite soap opera.
Las telenovelas mexicanas son muy populares en muchos países.
A2Mexican soap operas are very popular in many countries.
Su vida amorosa parece una telenovela llena de dramas y secretos.
B1Their love life seems like a soap opera full of drama and secrets.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: telenovela
Question 1 of 3
What is the primary difference between a 'telenovela' and a typical US soap opera?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
A blend of two words: 'tele' (short for televisión) and 'novela' (novel). It describes a story or novel told through the television medium.
First recorded: Mid-20th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'telenovela' to describe a drama show like 'Breaking Bad'?
Not really. 'Telenovela' specifically refers to the melodramatic, daily serial format. For a high-budget weekly drama, use 'serie'.
Is 'telenovela' considered a bad or 'trashy' word?
No, it's a standard term. While some people might view them as 'guilty pleasures,' the word itself is the proper name for the genre.
Why do people just say 'la novela'?
It's just a common shorthand. Even though 'novela' usually means a book, in a living room context, everyone knows you mean the show on the screen.