Inklingo

How to Say "performance" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “performance” is “actuación” — use this word for an artistic display or show, like a dancer's or actor's presentation..

actuaciónB1

Use this word for an artistic display or show, like a dancer's or actor's presentation.

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espectáculoA2

Choose this term for a staged event or show, often with a visual or entertaining focus, like a circus.

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comportamiento🔊A2

Use this word to describe how a person or thing behaves or functions, especially in a social or operational context.

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funcionamiento🔊B1

This word refers to how well a machine, system, or app is running or operating.

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funciónB1

Use this term specifically for a theater or music show, or a movie screening.

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celebraciónB1

This refers to the formal carrying out or observance of an event, like a ceremony or signing.

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ejecuciónB2

Use this for the skillful carrying out or delivery of a task, especially in arts or complex actions.

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interpretaciónB2

This word is best for describing the acting of a specific role or the playing of a musical piece.

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representaciónB2

Use this for a formal theatrical show or a play being presented.

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ejercicio🔊B2

This word refers to the act of performing or carrying out an action, especially a right or duty.

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English → Spanish

actuación

nounB1artistic display, show
Use this word for an artistic display or show, like a dancer's or actor's presentation.

Examples

La actuación de la bailarina fue la mejor parte del festival.

The dancer's performance was the best part of the festival.

espectáculo

nounA2a staged event
Choose this term for a staged event or show, often with a visual or entertaining focus, like a circus.

Examples

El espectáculo de circo fue increíble, especialmente los acróbatas.

The circus show was incredible, especially the acrobats.

comportamiento

/kom-por-tah-myen-to//kompoɾtaˈmjento/

nounA2how something functions (e.g., machine behavior)
Use this word to describe how a person or thing behaves or functions, especially in a social or operational context.
A simple colorful storybook illustration showing one child politely handing a bright red toy block to another child, symbolizing good conduct.

Examples

El comportamiento del niño en la escuela fue excelente.

The child's behavior at school was excellent.

Estudiamos el comportamiento de los animales en su hábitat natural.

We study the behavior of animals in their natural habitat.

Su mal comportamiento resultó en una advertencia.

His bad conduct resulted in a warning.

Always Masculine

Since 'comportamiento' ends in '-miento,' it is always a masculine noun. You must use masculine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'el comportamiento,' 'un comportamiento extraño').

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “La comportamiento”

Correction: El comportamiento. Remember, nouns ending in -miento are almost always masculine, so always use 'el' or 'un'.

funcionamiento

/foon-syon-ah-MYEN-toh//funsjo.naˈmjento/

nounB1how well something is running
This word refers to how well a machine, system, or app is running or operating.
A colorful illustration of large interlocking gears turning together smoothly inside a machine.

Examples

El funcionamiento de la aplicación es muy intuitivo.

The operation of the app is very intuitive.

Debemos revisar el buen funcionamiento del motor.

We must check that the engine is working properly.

Pusieron el nuevo plan en funcionamiento ayer.

They put the new plan into operation yesterday.

Making Nouns from Verbs

This word is the 'thing' version of the verb 'funcionar' (to work/function). By adding the ending '-miento,' we turn the action into a name for the process itself.

Working vs. Functioning

Mistake: “Using 'trabajamiento' to talk about a machine.”

Correction: Use 'funcionamiento.' In Spanish, 'trabajo' is for people's jobs, while 'funcionamiento' is for how things or systems operate.

función

nounB1theater or music show
Use this term specifically for a theater or music show, or a movie screening.

Examples

Fuimos a la última función del cine a las diez de la noche.

We went to the last movie screening at ten o'clock at night.

celebración

nounB1of a rite or ritual
This refers to the formal carrying out or observance of an event, like a ceremony or signing.

Examples

La celebración del contrato se retrasó hasta el martes.

The signing (holding) of the contract was delayed until Tuesday.

ejecución

nounB2skillful delivery of a task or art form
Use this for the skillful carrying out or delivery of a task, especially in arts or complex actions.

Examples

La ejecución del pianista fue impecable, sin un solo error.

The performance of the pianist was flawless, without a single error.

interpretación

nounB2acting a role or playing music
This word is best for describing the acting of a specific role or the playing of a musical piece.

Examples

Su interpretación de Hamlet fue premiada por la crítica.

His performance of Hamlet was praised by critics.

representación

nounB2a play or theatrical show
Use this for a formal theatrical show or a play being presented.

Examples

La representación teatral fue impresionante.

The theatrical performance was impressive.

ejercicio

eh-hehr-SEE-seeoh/e.xerˈsi.sjo/

nounB2carrying out an action
This word refers to the act of performing or carrying out an action, especially a right or duty.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a hand dropping a folded blue piece of paper into a simple wooden ballot box with a slit on top, representing the exercise of a right or duty.

Examples

El ejercicio de la libertad de expresión está protegido por la ley.

The exercise of freedom of speech is protected by law.

Ella comenzó el ejercicio de su profesión en 2020.

She began the practice of her profession in 2020.

Formal Construction

In this formal sense, 'ejercicio' is almost always followed by the preposition 'de' and then a specific abstract noun (e.g., 'el ejercicio de la autoridad').

Artistic Show vs. How Something Works

Learners often confuse words for artistic performances (like 'actuación', 'espectáculo', 'interpretación') with those describing function ('comportamiento', 'funcionamiento'). Remember that 'actuación' is for a specific artistic act, while 'funcionamiento' is about how well a machine or system operates.

Related Translations

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