Spanish word

interpretar

Pronunciation

IPA/inteɾpɾeˈtaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbinterpret

Example

No debes interpretar sus palabras de forma literal.

You should not interpret his words literally.

Illustration for interpretar (interpret)

More examples

Aprende a interpretar el tono para evitar malentendidos.

Learn to interpret the tone to avoid misunderstandings.

Core concept

Explaining the meaning of someone's words, a text, or a situation.

Common phrases

  • interpretar el tono

    interpret the tone

  • interpretar las señales

    interpret the signals

Similar words

entender: Understands what words or a situation mean at a straightforward level.
comprender: Understands the fuller, richer sense of words or content, including nuances.
explicar: Provides explanations and reasons so others can follow an idea or statement.
traducir: Expresses sentences from one language in another and preserves their sense.

Definition in Spanish

Formular una explicación o juicio personal sobre palabras, textos o situaciones basándose en la percepción o el contexto; puede incluir la traducción oral o la interpretación teatral.

Word origin

From Latin interpretari 'to explain or translate', from interpres 'interpreter', giving Spanish senses of inferring intent, rendering orally, and performing a role.

Usage tips

  • When stating a personal interpretation, speakers commonly hedge with phrases like 'Yo lo interpreto así' or 'A mi parecer' to mark opinion rather than fact.

Other meanings

  • actverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word