retratar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/r.e.tɾiˈtaɾ/

Translation Options into English

1. To portray
2. To depict
3. To photograph
4. To represent

Meaning of the Word

In Spanish, "retratar" primarily means to capture or represent an image of someone or something, especially in a visual form such as a painting or photograph. It can also be used in a broader sense to describe the act of depicting an idea, character, or situation.

Usage

"Retratar" is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in discussions about art, photography, and literature. Its frequency is consistent across these domains.

Example Sentences

1. El artista quiere retratar la belleza de la naturaleza en su próxima pintura.

2. The artist wants to portray the beauty of nature in his next painting.

3. María decidió retratar a su familia en una sesión de fotos.

4. María decided to photograph her family in a photo session.

5. El autor logra retratar las emociones de los personajes de manera profunda.

6. The author succeeds in depicting the emotions of the characters profoundly.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Retratar" is often used in idiomatic expressions in Spanish, particularly reflecting the theme of representation or depiction in different contexts. Here are several examples:

1. Retratarse ante la verdad
2. To face the truth
3. Es importante retratarse ante la verdad, aunque a veces duela.

4. It is important to face the truth, even if it hurts sometimes.

5. No retratarse con la realidad

6. Not to align with reality
7. Su discurso no se retrata con la realidad de lo que sucede en el país.

8. His speech does not align with the reality of what is happening in the country.

9. Retratar el momento

10. To capture the moment
11. Usualmente, trato de retratar el momento para recordarlo después.

12. I usually try to capture the moment to remember it later.

13. Retratar a alguien en su mejor luz

14. To portray someone in their best light
15. El periodista siempre intenta retratar a los personajes en su mejor luz.

16. The journalist always tries to portray characters in their best light.

17. Retratar la esencia de algo

18. To capture the essence of something
19. El documental logra retratar la esencia de la cultura local.

20. The documentary manages to capture the essence of the local culture.

21. Retratar una situación compleja

22. To depict a complex situation
23. La obra de teatro retrata una situación compleja entre dos familias.
24. The play depicts a complex situation between two families.

Etymology

The word "retratar" comes from the Latin word "retractare," which means "to draw back" or "to take back." Over time, it evolved in the Spanish language to its current meaning of depicting or yielding a representation of reality.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

1. Retrato (Portrait) - noun form
2. Representar (To represent)
3. Representación (Representation)
4. Imitar (To imitate - in a certain artistic context)

Antonyms

1. Ocultar (To hide)
2. Disfrazar (To disguise)
3. Distorsionar (To distort)

This comprehensive overview of "retratar" provides insights into its meanings, uses, and variations within different contexts in the Spanish language.