Inklingo

How to Say "to interpret" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to interpret” is “interpretar” — use 'interpretar' when you are translating spoken words from one language to another, or when you are explaining the meaning or significance of something abstract or ambiguous..

English → Spanish

interpretar

/een-tehr-preh-TAR//inteɾpɾeˈtaɾ/

verbB1/B2General
Use 'interpretar' when you are translating spoken words from one language to another, or when you are explaining the meaning or significance of something abstract or ambiguous.
Two people speaking different languages with a third person in the middle whispering to one of them.

Examples

El diplomático interpreta las preguntas del periodista al embajador.

The diplomat interprets the journalist's questions for the ambassador.

Ella interpreta lo que dice el presidente en la conferencia.

She interprets what the president says at the conference.

No sé cómo interpretar su silencio.

I don't know how to interpret her silence.

El científico interpreta los datos del experimento.

The scientist interprets the data from the experiment.

Interpretar vs. Traducir

Use 'interpretar' for spoken translation and 'traducir' for written translation.

Don't use for books

Mistake: “Él interpretó el libro al inglés.”

Correction: Él tradujo el libro al inglés. Books are written, so use 'traducir'.

False Friend Alert

Mistake: “No me interpretes mal.”

Correction: This is actually correct! It looks like a literal translation of 'Don't take me wrong' or 'Don't misinterpret me,' and it works perfectly in Spanish.

tomarse

/toh-MAHR-seh//toˈmaɾse/

verbB1Informal/General
Use 'tomarse' when describing how someone understands or reacts to what another person has said, often implying a personal interpretation of words or actions.
A person with an offended expression looking at a gift box.

Examples

No te lo tomes a mal, solo estoy intentando ayudar.

Don't take it the wrong way, I'm just trying to help.

No te lo tomes a mal, pero no me gusta tu camisa.

Don't take it the wrong way, but I don't like your shirt.

Él se toma todo muy en serio.

He takes everything very seriously.

Using 'lo' with Reactions

When talking about how you take a situation, we usually add 'lo' (meaning 'it'): 'Me lo tomo a mal' (I take it badly).

The 'a' is key

Mistake: “No te tomes mal.”

Correction: Say 'No te lo tomes A mal.' You need that 'a' before the word 'mal' or 'bien'.

leer

/leh-EHR//leˈeɾ/

verbB2General
Use 'leer' metaphorically when you mean to understand or figure out a situation, a person's intentions, or unspoken cues, similar to 'reading' a situation.
A person is observing another person's body language closely, with a small, stylized lightbulb floating above the observer's head, symbolizing a moment of understanding or interpretation.

Examples

Un buen líder sabe leer las emociones de su equipo.

A good leader knows how to read their team's emotions.

Es un buen político porque sabe leer al público.

He's a good politician because he knows how to read the public.

El detective leyó el miedo en sus ojos.

The detective read the fear in his eyes.

Intento leer sus intenciones, pero es muy reservado.

I'm trying to read his intentions, but he's very reserved.

Interpretar vs. Leer vs. Tomarse

The most common mistake is using 'interpretar' when the context requires understanding unspoken cues or intentions, where 'leer' (to read a situation) is more appropriate. Also, be careful not to use 'interpretar' when referring to how someone personally takes what you say, which requires 'tomarse' (to take it in a certain way).

Related Translations

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