Spanish word

espectáculo

Pronunciation

IPA/espekˈtakulo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounshow

Example

¿Vamos al espectáculo esta noche?

Shall we go to the show tonight?

Illustration for espectáculo (show)

More examples

Compré entradas para el espectáculo en la plaza.

I bought tickets for the show in the square.

Core concept

A staged entertainment that emphasizes visual effects and presentation.

Common phrases

  • espectáculo en vivo

    live show

  • espectáculo callejero

    street performance

  • entradas para el espectáculo

    tickets for the show

Similar words

función: Scheduled theatrical performance held at an appointed time in a theater or venue.
actuación: Acting performance on stage or screen that portrays a character.
concierto: Live musical performance featuring instruments and/or singers for an audience.
evento: Organized occasion or gathering planned around a specific purpose or theme.

Definition in Spanish

Actuación o serie de actos pensada para entretener a un público, con énfasis en lo visual y espectacular.

Word origin

Derived from Latin spectāculum, from spectare 'to watch' plus the noun-forming suffix -culum, referring to an event meant to be seen.

Usage tips

  • When translating, 'show' is the safe broad equivalent while English 'spectacle' often adds stronger or ironic nuance, so specify type (concierto, función) for smaller events.

Other meanings

  • spectaclenoun

Related words

  • espectacularspectacularadjective
  • espectacularmentespectacularlyadverb

Word lists with this word