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How to Say "likeness" in Spanish

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parecido

pah-reh-SEE-doh/paɾeˈsiðo/

nounB1general
Use 'parecido' when referring to a strong resemblance or similarity between two people or things, especially in their appearance.
Two small, identical brown teddy bears sitting facing forward, both wearing matching blue bow ties, emphasizing their strong physical resemblance.

Examples

Hay un gran parecido entre padre e hijo, sobre todo en los ojos.

There is a great resemblance between father and son, especially in the eyes.

Si ves a alguien con un parecido a mí, salúdalo.

If you see someone who looks like me (a likeness), say hello to them.

Using the Noun

As a noun, 'parecido' is masculine singular ('el parecido'). It usually works with the verbs 'tener' (to have) or 'encontrar' (to find): 'Tener un parecido' means 'to have a resemblance'.

copia

/KOH-pyah//ˈko.pja/

nounB1general
Choose 'copia' when you mean a reproduction or imitation of something, such as a document, artwork, or even an exam paper.
A light blue pencil resting beside a sheet of paper structured with lines and shapes, clearly indicating a school test or assignment.

Examples

El profesor recogió todas las copias después del examen.

The professor collected all the exam papers after the test.

Su nueva novela es solo una mala copia del estilo de Borges.

His new novel is just a poor imitation of Borges's style.

No puedes entregar una copia con tantas faltas de ortografía.

You can't hand in a paper with so many spelling mistakes.

Academic Context

In school or university settings, 'copia' is often used to mean the physical paper you write your answers on, similar to 'test booklet' or 'answer sheet'.

retrato

reh-TRAH-toh/reˈtɾato/

nounA2general
Use 'retrato' specifically for a visual representation of a person, like a painting, drawing, or photograph, often focusing on their face.
A simple, colorful painting depicting the head and shoulders of a smiling young woman against a plain background.

Examples

Mi abuela tiene un retrato antiguo de su padre en la sala.

My grandmother has an old portrait of her father in the living room.

El fotógrafo hizo un retrato en blanco y negro muy dramático.

The photographer took a very dramatic black and white portrait.

Gender Check

Remember that 'retrato' is masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el retrato'.

Confusing 'Retrato' and 'Pintura'

Mistake: “Using 'pintura' when you specifically mean a picture of a person's face.”

Correction: Use 'retrato' for the image of a person; 'pintura' is the general word for 'painting' (e.g., a landscape).

Choosing Between Resemblance and Imitation

Learners often confuse 'parecido' and 'copia'. Remember, 'parecido' describes a natural similarity between two things, while 'copia' refers to a deliberate reproduction or imitation of an original.

Related Translations

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