Spanish word

busto

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbusto/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbust

Example

En la plaza hay un busto de un poeta famoso.

There is a bust of a famous poet in the square.

Illustration for busto (bust)

More examples

Durante la visita vimos un busto expuesto junto a otras esculturas.

During the visit we saw a bust displayed alongside other sculptures.

Core concept

Half-length portrait in marble or bronze mounted on a plinth.

Common phrases

  • busto en un parque

    bust in a park

  • busto en la exposición

    bust in the exhibition

Similar words

escultura: Three-dimensional work made by carving, casting, or modeling materials into an artistic form.
estatua: Figural three-dimensional work portraying a person or animal, often life-size and freestanding.
retrato: Depicts a person's appearance in painting, drawing, or photography, focusing on face and likeness.
monumento: Large public artwork or structure placed to memorialize a person, event, or collective achievement.

Definition in Spanish

Figura escultórica que muestra el rostro y el pecho de una persona, usada frecuentemente para honrar a una persona notable.

Word origin

Borrowed via Italian from Latin bustum 'tomb', with the sense shifting from memorial monuments to a portrait bust honoring a notable person.

Usage tips

  • Spanish 'busto' does not carry the English senses of 'bust' meaning arrest or failure, and for bra or clothing size Spanish uses 'talla de sujetador' or 'medida del busto'.

Other meanings

  • chestnoun
  • bust sizenoun

Word lists with this word