How to Say "portrait" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “portrait” is “retrato” — use 'retrato' when referring to a painting, drawing, or photograph that visually represents a person or animal.
retrato
reh-TRAH-tohreˈtɾato
Examples
El museo exhibe un famoso retrato del rey.
The museum exhibits a famous portrait of the king.
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).
radiografía
Examples
El documental es una radiografía de la pobreza urbana.
The documentary is a portrait of urban poverty.
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Related Translations
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