Inklingo

How to Say "façade" in Spanish

English → Spanish

frente

/FREN-tay//ˈfɾen.te/

nounB1building
Use 'frente' when referring to the exterior front side of a building.
The main entrance and facade of a colorful, simple house, clearly showing its front side.

Examples

El frente de la casa necesita una capa de pintura.

The front of the house needs a coat of paint.

Los soldados están en el frente de batalla.

The soldiers are at the battlefront.

Se acerca un frente frío desde el norte.

A cold front is approaching from the north.

Gender Alert: The 'Front' of Something

When talking about the 'front' of a building, a war, or a weather system, 'frente' is masculine. Always use 'el' or other masculine words with it, like 'el frente' or 'un frente unido' (a united front).

Using the Wrong Gender

Mistake: “La frente de la casa es bonita.”

Correction: El frente de la casa es bonito. Remember, the front of an object is always masculine ('el').

portada

por-TAH-dah/porˈtaða/

nounC1main entrance of a building
Use 'portada' specifically for the main entrance or portal of a building, often elaborately decorated.
The grand, ornate front entrance and façade of a simple, colorful public building.

Examples

La portada gótica de la catedral es una obra maestra de la escultura.

The Gothic façade of the cathedral is a masterpiece of sculpture.

Estudiamos la portada barroca del palacio.

We studied the baroque main entrance of the palace.

pantalla

/pan-TA-ya//panˈtaʎa/

nounC1false front/appearance
Use 'pantalla' when 'façade' refers to a false appearance or a deceptive front put up to hide one's true intentions.
A massive, thick cloud of swirling white and gray smoke completely obscuring a small structure behind it.

Examples

Su aparente humildad es solo una pantalla para manipular a la gente.

His apparent humility is just a facade (smokescreen) to manipulate people.

Los nuevos impuestos son una pantalla para encubrir la corrupción.

The new taxes are a smokescreen to cover up the corruption.

Figurative Extension

Think of this meaning as literally putting a 'screen' or 'shield' in front of the truth to hide it.

Building vs. Appearance

Learners often confuse 'frente' and 'pantalla'. Remember that 'frente' strictly refers to the physical front of a building, while 'pantalla' describes a metaphorical, deceptive appearance.

Related Translations

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