How to Say "performance" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “performance” is “rendimiento” — use this word when discussing the quality of work or activity produced by a person, team, or machine, often related to efficiency or output.
rendimiento
ren-dee-myehn-tohren.diˈmjen.to

Examples
El rendimiento del equipo ha mejorado mucho este mes.
The team's performance has improved a lot this month.
Este motor tiene un rendimiento muy alto y gasta poca gasolina.
This engine has very high efficiency and uses little gas.
El bajo rendimiento escolar a veces se debe al cansancio.
Poor school performance is sometimes due to tiredness.
Using 'de' for possession
To say 'the performance of [something]', always use 'el rendimiento de...'. For example: 'el rendimiento de la batería' (the battery's performance).
Always Masculine
Regardless of who or what you are talking about, this word is always masculine. Even if you're talking about a woman's performance, use 'el rendimiento'.
Performance as a show
Mistake: “Using 'rendimiento' to mean a theater performance.”
Correction: Use 'actuación' or 'función' for theater. 'Rendimiento' is only for efficiency or how well a task is done.
desempeño
Examples
Su desempeño en la escuela ha mejorado mucho este mes.
Their performance in school has improved a lot this month.
actuación
Examples
La actuación de la bailarina fue la mejor parte del festival.
The dancer's performance was the best part of the festival.
funcionamiento
foon-syon-ah-MYEN-tohfunsjo.naˈmjento

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
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.
comportamiento
kom-por-tah-myen-tokompoɾtaˈmjento

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'.
espectáculo
Examples
El espectáculo de circo fue increíble, especialmente los acróbatas.
The circus show was incredible, especially the acrobats.
ejecución
Examples
La ejecución del pianista fue impecable, sin un solo error.
The performance of the pianist was flawless, without a single error.
interpretación
Examples
Su interpretación de Hamlet fue premiada por la crítica.
His performance of Hamlet was praised by critics.
prestación
Examples
Este coche tiene unas prestaciones increíbles en carretera.
This car has incredible performance on the road.
representación
Examples
La representación teatral fue impresionante.
The theatrical performance was impressive.
aprovechamiento
ah-pro-beh-chah-myehn-tohapɾoβetʃaˈmjento

Examples
Recibió un diploma por su buen aprovechamiento escolar.
He received a diploma for his good academic progress.
El profesor evalúa el aprovechamiento de los alumnos cada mes.
The teacher evaluates the students' performance every month.
Para obtener el certificado, se requiere un alto nivel de aprovechamiento.
To obtain the certificate, a high level of achievement is required.
Abstract Progress
In an academic sense, this word describes the 'amount' of knowledge a student has successfully 'taken in' from a course.
Not just 'grades'
Mistake: “Thinking 'aprovechamiento' only refers to the final grade.”
Correction: It refers to the overall process of learning and making the most of the educational opportunity.
celebración
Examples
La celebración del contrato se retrasó hasta el martes.
The signing (holding) of the contract was delayed until Tuesday.
ejercicio
eh-hehr-SEE-seeohe.xerˈsi.sjo

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').
Performance vs. Functioning
Related Translations
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