Spanish Literature

A collection of words, phrases, and sentences commonly used in literature.

(auto)biografía
(auto)biography

(Auto)biografía is a Spanish term which means (auto)biography in English. This refers to a detailed description of a person's life written by someone else (biography), or a detailed description of one's own life (autobiography). AutoBiografía can also include details like birth, education, work, relationships and death, usually including an analysis of the person's personality and significant events in their life.

Example sentences with  (auto)biografía
agotarse un libro
exhausting a book

The Spanish phrase 'agotarse un libro' translates directly as 'a book becoming exhausted' in English. However, it is more contextually correct to say that the book is 'sold out' or 'out of stock'. This phrase is typically used in retail or library settings to convey that there are no more available copies of a particular book. It can also figuratively mean that the book has been thoroughly read or utilized to the point of exhaustion.

Example sentences with  agotarse un libro
analizar un texto
analyze a text

The Spanish phrase 'analizar un texto' translates to 'analyze a text' in English. This phrase is related to the act of examining a written or printed work closely and systematically for purposes such as explanation, interpretation or obtaining an understanding of its content, structure, or meaning.

Example sentences with  analizar un texto
análisis de texto
Text analysis

The Spanish term 'análisis de texto' translates to 'text analysis' in English. In English, 'text analysis' refers to the process of examining and interpreting written or printed data. This includes understanding the main idea, identifying the author's purpose, determining the tone or mood, identifying the use of literary devices, or exploring the text's structure among other aspects. It is a frequently used technique in many disciplines, including data analysis, literature, language studies, and various academic research fields.

Example sentences with  análisis de texto
argumento
argument

The Spanish word 'argumento' means 'argument' in English. It can be used in many of the same contexts as the English word, referring to a reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong. However, 'argumento' can also refer to the plot or storyline of a book, play, or movie. This usage does not have a direct equivalent in the English word 'argument'.

Example sentences with  argumento
autor
author

The Spanish word 'autor' is used to refer to the writer of a book, article, or report. It can also be used in a broader sense to indicate the person who created or started something. Just like in English, it is used both in formal and informal contexts. It's important to note that the gender of the noun changes based on the sex of the person it's referring to, 'autor' for males and 'autora' for females.

Example sentences with  autor
autor teatral
Theatrical author

The term 'autor teatral' in Spanish translates to 'theatrical author' in English. A theatrical author is someone who writes plays for the theater. They craft the narrative, dialogue, and dramatic situation that form the basis for the performance. The plays they write may take many forms, from musicals to dramas, comedies, and more. It's a term used very often in the world of theater and drama.

Example sentences with  autor teatral
citar textualmente
quote verbatim

The Spanish term 'citar textualmente' translates to 'quote verbatim' in English. It is frequently used in the context of referencing someone's exact words or phrases from a specific source. For instance, in writing or scholarly work, citing text verbatim is a standard practice where the author's original words are used to support an argument or clarify a point. Therefore, the requirement to 'citar textualmente' in a Spanish assignment would prompt the student to directly reproduce sentences or phrases from the mentioned material without changing the original language or structure.

Example sentences with  citar textualmente
coherencia textual
Textual coherence

The Spanish term 'coherencia textual' translates to 'textual coherence' in English. This term is commonly used in writing and linguistic studies and it refers to the logical and meaningful connection between different parts of a text. It means that the ideas presented in the written discourse should be interconnected and make sense when read collectively.

Example sentences with  coherencia textual
comentario de texto
Commentary on text

The Spanish term 'comentario de texto' translates to 'commentary on text' in English. It usually refers to making remarks, observations, or critiques about a certain text. The term is often used in educational contexts where students, teachers, or critics analyze and discuss particular texts in depth.

Example sentences with  comentario de texto
componer
compose

The Spanish word 'componer' translates to 'compose' in English. It can be used in various contexts such as composing a song, poem, or a letter. It's derived from the Latin 'componere' which also means 'to put together'. Remember, like many Spanish verbs, 'componer' can change its form depending on the tense and the subject of the sentence.

Example sentences with  componer
componer un poema
compose a poem

The Spanish phrase 'componer un poema' translates to 'compose a poem' in English. It represents the act of creating a poem, which involves the careful selection and organization of words in a way that invokes emotion, tells a story, or describes an idea or event. The verb 'componer' means 'to compose' or 'to make up', and 'un poema' means 'a poem'. This phrase can be used in a variety of contexts in literature, education, and daily conversations whenever discussing the creation of a poem.

Example sentences with  componer un poema
concurso literario
literary contest

The term 'concurso literario' in Spanish translates to 'literary contest' in English. A literary contest is a competitive event where participants are welcome to submit their own written works such as poetry, stories, or essays to be judged against others' written works in the same event. Winners of these contests could earn recognition, prizes, or publication opportunities.

Example sentences with  concurso literario
contar (la historia de)
tell (the story of)

The Spanish term 'contar (la historia de)' translates to 'tell (the story of)' in English. This action word, or verb, is typically used in the context of narrating a story or event. In a sentence, it may be used as 'Voy a contar la historia de mi vida' which translates to 'I am going to tell the story of my life' in English.

Example sentences with  contar (la historia de)
copiar textualmente
copy textually

The Spanish phrase 'copiar textualmente' can be translated into English as 'copy textually'. It involves the action of replicating given words, phrases or texts exactly as they are, without making any changes to the original context, words, punctuation, etc. This phrase is commonly used in academic or professional settings where precision and accuracy in conveying the originally expressed thoughts are extremely important.

Example sentences with  copiar textualmente
crónica
chronicle

'Crónica' is a Spanish word that translates to 'chronicle' in English. It is often used in journalistic contexts to refer to a factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence. However, it can also be used more broadly in everyday conversation to describe a detailed and continuing account of an event or situation.

describir
describe

In Spanish, 'describir' means 'to describe'. It is used in the same way it's used in English, to give a detailed account in words about a person, event, or process. Like English, it can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal, and accepts the same sort of adverb modifications.

Example sentences with  describir
distribuir un libro
distribute a book

The Spanish phrase, , 'distribuir un libro', translates to 'distribute a book' in English. In context, this phrase is often used in situations involving the sharing of a physical or digital book to a wide audience. It can often imply that the book is being circulated or given out for free, or spread across a designated area. More specific applications include situations in publishing or educational fields.

Example sentences with  distribuir un libro
edición crítica
critical edition

The Spanish term 'edición crítica' translates to 'critical edition' in English. This term is often used in the context of text analysis and scholarly works. A critical edition usually refers to a version of a text that has been carefully produced considering all the relevant available sources. The creation process of a critical edition involves analyzing, comparing, and if necessary, correcting the text. The goal is to produce a version that is as close as possible to the original intent of the author or authors. It may also include commentary and annotations by the editor.

Example sentences with  edición crítica
edición especial
special edition

The term 'edición especial' in Spanish translates to 'special edition' in English. This term is often used in various contexts, such as books, movies, music albums and others. It means a version that is different, often in a better, more comprehensive way, from the regular. It often contains additional features or items not included in standard versions.

Example sentences with  edición especial
edición limitada
limited edition

The term 'edición limitada' in Spanish translates to 'limited edition' in English. In usage, it refers to something that is available in restricted quantities, usually done to increase its value and desirability. This term is often used in various sectors such as publishing, art, fashion, gaming, etc., to signify that a particular product or version is special, rare, and only available for a certain period or until stocks last.

Example sentences with  edición limitada
editar un libro
edit a book

The Spanish phrase 'editar un libro' translates to 'edit a book' in English. This phrase is made up of two parts: 'editar', a verb which means 'to edit', and 'un libro', which translates to 'a book'. In a broader context, 'editar' can also refer to the process of preparing written material for publication by correcting, condensing or otherwise modifying it. On the other hand, 'un libro' can refer to any kind of book, from a novel to a textbook. Overall, 'editar un libro' would typically be used in a professional context, such as within the publishing industry.

Example sentences with  editar un libro
editor
editor

The Spanish word 'editor' translates to 'editor' in English. An editor is a person who corrects or changes pieces of text before it's committed to print or published online. Editors also work in film, music or other industries where they edit or direct modifications. They usually work to improve the content to make it more readable and accessible to the audience.

ensayo
rehearsal

The Spanish word 'ensayo' translates to 'rehearsal' in English. It is primarily used in contexts related to music, theater, and other performing arts, where it denotes a practice session for a performance, often held by musicians or actors. However, 'ensayo' might also refer to a 'trial' or 'test' in general contexts, indicating an effort to test something or practice something before the final attempt. Overall, 'ensayo' encapsulates the idea of preparation and practice before a final display or implementation.

Example sentences with  ensayo
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