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How to Say "image" in Spanish

English → Spanish

imagen

/ee-MAH-hen//iˈma.xen/

nounA1general
Use 'imagen' when referring to a picture, photograph, drawing, or any visual representation, as well as for a person's reputation or public perception.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a framed picture hanging on a wall, depicting a bright red apple with a small green leaf.

Examples

Me encanta la imagen que tomaste de la puesta de sol.

I love the picture you took of the sunset.

La televisión tiene una imagen muy clara y nítida.

The television has a very clear and sharp picture.

En la iglesia había una imagen antigua de la virgen.

In the church there was an old statue of the virgin.

El presidente está tratando de mejorar su imagen después del escándalo.

The president is trying to improve his image after the scandal.

Feminine Noun Trick

Even though 'imagen' ends in '-en' and doesn't end in '-a', it is a feminine noun. Remember to use 'la' or 'una': la imagen.

Actions and Image

When talking about building or maintaining a reputation, Spanish often uses verbs like proyectar (to project), mejorar (to improve), or cuidar (to take care of).

Confusing Gender

Mistake:El imagen es bonita.

Correction: La imagen es bonita. (It's a tricky one, but nouns ending in -gen like *imagen* are usually feminine.)

imagen

/ee-MAH-hen//iˈma.xen/

nounB1general
Use 'imagen' to talk about someone's reputation, public perception, or how they are seen by others.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a framed picture hanging on a wall, depicting a bright red apple with a small green leaf.

Examples

El presidente está tratando de mejorar su imagen después del escándalo.

The president is trying to improve his image after the scandal.

Me encanta la imagen que tomaste de la puesta de sol.

I love the picture you took of the sunset.

La televisión tiene una imagen muy clara y nítida.

The television has a very clear and sharp picture.

En la iglesia había una imagen antigua de la virgen.

In the church there was an old statue of the virgin.

Feminine Noun Trick

Even though 'imagen' ends in '-en' and doesn't end in '-a', it is a feminine noun. Remember to use 'la' or 'una': la imagen.

Actions and Image

When talking about building or maintaining a reputation, Spanish often uses verbs like proyectar (to project), mejorar (to improve), or cuidar (to take care of).

Confusing Gender

Mistake:El imagen es bonita.

Correction: La imagen es bonita. (It's a tricky one, but nouns ending in -gen like *imagen* are usually feminine.)

espejo

/es-PEH-ho//esˈpe.xo/

nounB2figurative
Use 'espejo' metaphorically to describe something that is a true representation or reflection of something else, like a likeness or mirror image.
The clear, detailed reflection of a small green tree visible in a still puddle of water on the ground.

Examples

Esta ciudad es un espejo de la diversidad cultural del país.

This city is a reflection of the country's cultural diversity.

Su disciplina es un espejo para sus compañeros de equipo.

His discipline is a model for his teammates.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'espejo' means a faithful representation, showing things exactly as they are—like a window into a situation.

Imagen vs. Espejo

Learners often use 'espejo' when they mean a visual picture or photograph. Remember that 'espejo' is almost always used metaphorically to mean a 'reflection' or 'likeness', while 'imagen' covers literal pictures and also reputation.

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