Spanish Conversation · Level 159
30 words
Spanish word
títere
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈtiteɾe/
Meaning
- masculine nounpuppet
Example
El político actuó como un títere en ese caso.
The politician acted like a puppet in that case.
More examples
No quiero ser un títere de nadie en mi trabajo.
I don't want to be a puppet of anyone at my job.
Core concept
Small figure moved by strings and a puppeteer's hand.
Common phrases
títere de madera
wooden puppet
hacer un títere de alguien
make a puppet of someone
ser un títere
be a puppet
Similar words
marioneta: Stage puppet manipulated with strings or rods for theatrical performances.
muñeco: Small toy doll made for children, intended for play or display.
Definition in Spanish
Figura articulada que representa a una persona o animal y se mueve mediante hilos, varillas o la mano del titiritero; figuradamente, individuo controlado por otros.
Word origin
From medieval Latin titere via Romance languages, originally naming a puppet and of uncertain earlier origin, possibly imitative.
Usage tips
- Accent on the í marks the stressed first syllable, and as a figurative insult 'ser un títere' strongly implies someone is controlled so softer phrases like 'estar influenciado por' are common.