interpretan

Interpretan is a verb form in Spanish, specifically the third-person plural present indicative of the verb interpretar. It is used to say that “they interpret” or, in many dialects, “you all interpret.” The form reflects a regular -ar verb pattern, as interpretar follows standard conjugation: interpreto, interpretas, interpreta, interpretamos, interpretáis, interpretan.

Usage and senses

Interpretar has several related senses. In the performing arts, it means to perform or portray a role or piece, as in musicians interpreting a symphony or actors interpreting a character. In analysis or science, it means to explain, render meaning, or make sense of something, such as interpreting data, results, or a text. In broader language use, it can also mean to translate or render information in another form.

Examples

- Los músicos interpretan la sonata con precisión. (The musicians interpret the sonata with precision.)

- Los jueces interpretan la ley de distintas maneras. (The judges interpret the law in different ways.)

- Interpretan los resultados de la encuesta para tomar decisiones.

Notes

Interpretan, like interpretarse in other tenses, changes with the subject. The verb’s etymology traces to Latin interpretari, meaning to explain or reveal meaning, and it has cognates in other Romance languages (interpretar in Portuguese, interpretare in Italian, etc.). The word is commonly found in literature about music, acting, linguistics, law, and data analysis, among other fields.