Noun
/rós.tɾo/
The term "rostro" primarily refers to the face of a person, encompassing the front part of the head where the eyes, nose, and mouth are located. It is also used layer refer a person's appearance or more abstractly as the "face" of objects, like buildings or rocks.
In the Spanish language, "rostro" is frequently used in both oral and written contexts. It is common in everyday conversation, literature, and poetry. In general, its usage is versatile, spanning from literal to figurative meanings.
El rostro de ella estaba iluminado por la sonrisa.
Her face was illuminated by the smile.
El artista retrató el rostro de un anciano con gran detalle.
The artist portrayed the face of an old man in great detail.
En la oscuridad, solo pude ver el rostro de mi amigo.
In the darkness, I could only see my friend's face.
While "rostro" does not form a wide array of idiomatic expressions, it is still present in a few notable phrases within the Spanish language.
Dar la cara o dar el rostro
To face the music (to take responsibility for one's actions).
Después de lo que pasó, tuvo que dar la cara ante todos.
After what happened, he had to face everyone.
Poner buen rostro
To keep a good face (to remain optimistic or calm in a difficult situation).
A pesar de los problemas, decidió poner buen rostro.
Despite the problems, he decided to keep a good face.
Rostro conocido
A familiar face (someone you recognize).
En la fiesta vi un rostro conocido, era un antiguo amigo.
At the party, I saw a familiar face; it was an old friend.
The word "rostro" comes from the Latin term "frons," which means "forehead" or "face." Over time, it evolved into the Spanish "rostro," reflecting its original meaning while expanding to capture more metaphorical usages.
This thorough exploration of the word "rostro" highlights its multifaceted nature within the Spanish language, showcasing its relevance across various contexts.