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interpretar means to interpret — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 13, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

interpretar

verb • /[een-tehr-preh-TAR]/

to interpret

Example:

Los datos pueden interpretarse de distintas maneras.

The data can be interpreted in different ways.

🧠 What does interpretar mean?

Interpretar in Spanish means 'to interpret,' just like in English. However, it carries a broader range of meanings than you might expect. It can mean to explain or understand the meaning of something (like a text, a dream, or a situation), to perform a piece of music or a role in a play, or to translate spoken words from one language to another. The specific meaning depends heavily on the context.

📚 Extra examples

  • El actor interpretó el papel de Hamlet con gran pasión.
    The actor interpreted the role of Hamlet with great passion.
  • Interpreto su silencio como una señal de acuerdo.
    I interpret his silence as a sign of agreement.
  • El profesor nos pidió interpretar el poema de Lorca.
    The teacher asked us to interpret Lorca's poem.
  • Ella interpreta para la ONU.
    She interprets for the UN.
  • ¿Cómo interpretas los resultados de la encuesta?
    How do you interpret the results of the survey?

💡 Did You Know?

While 'interpretar' can refer to interpreting languages, the more common word for that specifically is 'traducir' (to translate) or 'interpretar idiomas'. 'Interpretar' is more often used for explaining the meaning of something.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "interpretar"

Synonyms: explicar, entender, traducir, representar
Opposites: malinterpretar, desconocer

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to interpret' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'to interpret' is 'interpretar.'
How do you pronounce 'interpretar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced een-ter-preh-TAHR, with the stress on the last syllable.
How do you use 'interpretar' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'Interpreto su silencio como una señal de acuerdo' (I interpret his silence as a sign of agreement), or 'El músico interpretó la pieza con gran maestría' (The musician interpreted the piece with great mastery).
What is the English translation of 'interpretar'?
The English translation of 'interpretar' is 'to interpret'.
Does 'interpretar' change for gender or number?
No, 'interpretar' is a regular -ar verb and conjugates according to standard rules. It doesn't change based on gender, but it does change to reflect who is doing the interpreting (I, you, he/she/it, we, they).
Is 'interpretar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'interpretar' is relatively common, especially when talking about understanding something or explaining its meaning. The frequency depends on the specific context and the speaker's level of education.
Does 'interpretar' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. While the exact nuance can shift with context, it doesn't have any slang or double meanings that would be confusing for a learner.
Is 'interpretar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage are largely consistent across Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'interpretar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense: Yo interpreto Tú interpretas Él/Ella/Usted interpreta Nosotros/Nosotras interpretamos Vosotros/Vosotras interpretáis Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes interpretan

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