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How to Say "roles" in Spanish

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funciones

foon-SYOH-nehsfunˈsjones

nounA2general
Use 'funciones' when talking about the jobs, duties, or purposes that a person, object, or system performs.
A colorful Swiss army knife with various tools extended like a blade, a pair of scissors, and a bottle opener.

Examples

El médico explicó las funciones del nuevo medicamento.

The doctor explained the functions of the new medication.

El teléfono tiene muchas funciones nuevas.

The phone has many new functions.

Sus funciones en la empresa son muy importantes.

Her duties in the company are very important.

Hoy hay dos funciones de la película: a las seis y a las nueve.

Today there are two screenings of the movie: at six and at nine.

Making it plural

This is the plural version of 'función'. Since the original word ends in 'n', we add 'es' and drop the written accent mark.

The Accent Mark

Mistake: “funciónes”

Correction: funciones

papeles

pah-PEH-lehspaˈpeles

nounB2general
Use 'papeles' when referring to the specific parts or characters that people play, such as in a play, movie, or even in social or professional life.
Two simple theatrical masks, one smiling and one frowning, resting side by side on a wooden stage floor, symbolizing different roles.

Examples

Asumí el papel de líder en este proyecto.

I took on the role of leader in this project.

Ella interpretó varios papeles en la obra de teatro.

She played several roles in the theater production.

Los padres tienen papeles cruciales en la educación de sus hijos.

Parents have crucial roles in their children's education.

Figurative Meaning

This meaning comes from the idea of the script (written on paper) that defines what a character or person must do.

Funciones vs. Papeles

Learners often confuse 'funciones' and 'papeles' by using 'funciones' when they mean the part someone plays. Remember that 'funciones' is for duties or purposes, while 'papeles' is specifically for characters or the parts people embody.

Related Translations

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