Spanish Conversation · Level 23
90 words
Spanish word
relato
Pronunciation
IPA/reˈlato/
Meaning
- masculine nounstory
Example
Este relato tiene un final sorprendente.
This story has a surprising ending.
More examples
Contó un relato breve sobre su viaje.
He told a short story about his trip.
Core concept
A narrated sequence of events with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Common phrases
un relato breve
short story
un relato personal
personal story
el relato de su vida
the story of his life
Similar words
historia: Summarizes events in chronological order, often giving context and development.
cuento: Tells a short, usually fictional tale meant for entertainment or imaginative effect.
anécdota: Relates a concise, memorable personal incident often told to amuse or illustrate.
narración: Describes events step by step to convey what happened, focusing on sequence and detail.
Definition in Spanish
Narración de hechos reales o imaginarios que se cuenta con un inicio, un desarrollo y un final.
Word origin
From Latin relatus, the past participle of referre 'to bring back or report', it originally meant 'that which was reported' and became a noun for a told account.
Usage tips
- In everyday speech relato sounds somewhat formal or report-like, so speakers often use cuento or the verb contar for casual anecdotes.