(1) PICTURE AS IMAGEN
When we talk about the representation of a person, animal, or thing, we translate “picture” as “imagen”:
- Las imágenes de las obras del Greco se caracterizan por el alargamiento de las figuras y la expresividad de los rostros. The pictures on El Greco’s work are characterized by the enlongation of the figures and the expressivity of faces.
(2) PICTURE AS FOTO
When we use this term to refer to the capture of an image using a camera or other electronic device, we translate “picture” as “foto”:
- Tomamos muchas fotos durante nuestra visita al museo. We took a lot of pictures during our visit to the museum.
(3) PICTURE AS DIBUJO / PINTURA
When we use the word “picture” to refer to a graphic representation of a person, animal, or thing, we use the equivalents “dibujo” (when it’s made with pens, pencils, crayons) or “pintura” (when it’s made using paints, watercolors):
- Los chicos hicieron dibujos de todo lo que vieron en el museo. The kids drew pictures of everything they saw at the museum.
- Sus pinturas son exhibidas en museos de todo el mundo. His pictures are displayed in museums all over the world.
