Inklingo

How to Say "role" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “role” is “rol” — use 'rol' when talking about a specific function, duty, or position that someone or something has within a team, organization, or situation..

rol🔊A2

Use 'rol' when talking about a specific function, duty, or position that someone or something has within a team, organization, or situation.

{ui.learnMore}
papel🔊B1

Use 'papel' when referring to a part played by an actor in a play or movie, or a figurative part someone plays in a particular situation.

{ui.learnMore}
funciónA2

Use 'función' to describe the specific job, task, or purpose that something or someone is meant to perform.

{ui.learnMore}
personaje🔊A2

Use 'personaje' specifically when referring to the character an actor plays in a performance or narrative.

{ui.learnMore}
calidad🔊B2

Use 'calidad' in the specific phrase 'en calidad de' to mean 'in the capacity of' or 'in the role of' when describing an official position or status.

{ui.learnMore}
parte🔊A1

Use 'parte' when referring to a section or segment, particularly the first or last part of a play or movie.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

rol

rohl/rol/

nounA2general
Use 'rol' when talking about a specific function, duty, or position that someone or something has within a team, organization, or situation.
A colorful storybook illustration of a person wearing a theatrical crown and a velvet cape, standing on a stage.

Examples

Cada miembro del equipo tiene un rol específico.

Each member of the team has a specific role.

Ella aceptó el rol principal en la obra de teatro.

She accepted the lead role in the play.

Los fines de semana jugamos juegos de rol con amigos.

On weekends we play role-playing games with friends.

Using 'el' with rol

Since 'rol' ends in a consonant and is masculine, always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a).

Rol vs. Rollo

Mistake: “Using 'rol' to mean a physical roll of paper.”

Correction: Use 'rollo' for physical objects (like toilet paper) and 'rol' for abstract functions or parts in a play.

papel

/pa-PEL//paˈpel/

nounB1general
Use 'papel' when referring to a part played by an actor in a play or movie, or a figurative part someone plays in a particular situation.
A figure wearing a simple, smiling comedy theatrical mask, standing center stage under a bright yellow spotlight.

Examples

El actor hizo un papel increíble en la película.

The actor played an incredible role in the movie.

Ella juega un papel muy importante en nuestra empresa.

She plays a very important role in our company.

A cada miembro del equipo se le asignó un papel específico.

Each team member was assigned a specific role.

función

nounA2general
Use 'función' to describe the specific job, task, or purpose that something or someone is meant to perform.

Examples

La función principal de este botón es encender la máquina.

The main function of this button is to turn on the machine.

personaje

per-soh-NA-heh/peɾsoˈnaxe/

nounA2general
Use 'personaje' specifically when referring to the character an actor plays in a performance or narrative.
A colorful storybook illustration of a fantasy character, specifically a brave knight wearing shining silver armor and holding a sword, standing on a small wooden stage.

Examples

El personaje principal es muy valiente.

The main character is very brave.

Crearon un personaje inolvidable para la serie.

They created an unforgettable character for the series.

Masculine Gender Rule

Even if 'personaje' refers to a woman or a girl, the word itself is always masculine (el personaje). You must use the masculine article 'el' or 'un'.

Incorrect Gender Agreement

Mistake: “La personaje principal.”

Correction: El personaje principal. Remember, the word 'personaje' is masculine, no matter the gender of the character.

calidad

/kah-lee-DAD//kaliˈðað/

nounB2formal
Use 'calidad' in the specific phrase 'en calidad de' to mean 'in the capacity of' or 'in the role of' when describing an official position or status.
A cheerful chef wearing a tall white hat and apron, actively stirring a pot, illustrating their professional capacity or role.

Examples

Firmó el contrato en calidad de representante legal de la empresa.

He signed the contract in the capacity of the company's legal representative.

Asistieron al evento en calidad de invitados especiales.

They attended the event in the role of special guests.

Fixed Phrase

This meaning almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'en calidad de...' (in the role of...), meaning you are acting as something or someone.

parte

/PAR-teh//ˈpaɾte/

nounA1general
Use 'parte' when referring to a section or segment, particularly the first or last part of a play or movie.
A colorful jigsaw puzzle with one final piece being fitted into place by a hand.

Examples

La primera parte de la película fue un poco lenta.

The first part of the movie was a bit slow.

Quiero una parte del pastel de chocolate.

I want a piece of the chocolate cake.

Esa es mi parte favorita de la canción.

That's my favorite part of the song.

Always Feminine: 'la parte'

Even though it ends in '-e', this word is almost always feminine. Remember to use 'la', 'una', and adjectives that end in '-a'. For example, 'la parte más bonita' (the prettiest part).

Using 'el' instead of 'la'

Mistake: “Me gusta el parte de atrás del coche.”

Correction: Me gusta la parte de atrás del coche. Unless you mean 'official report', always use 'la' with this meaning.

Rol vs. Papel vs. Función

Learners often confuse 'rol', 'papel', and 'función'. Remember that 'rol' is for a general function or part in a situation, 'papel' is primarily for acting or a figurative part, and 'función' emphasizes the task or purpose being performed.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.