subtítulo

Subtítulo is a term used in Spanish to denote a secondary title that accompanies the main title of a work. In publishing, a subtítulo usually follows the main title and clarifies the scope, subject, or angle of the text, often introduced by a colon or dash. In audiovisual media, subtítulo refers to the text displayed on screen that conveys dialogue, narration, or other content in another language or for accessibility.

The word derives from sub- meaning “under” and título meaning “title.” In books and articles, the subtítulo can help readers understand the topic at a glance, set the work’s framing, or indicate a particular focus or method.

In film and television, subtítulos can be interlingual (translation from the original language) or intralingual (same language for accessibility, such as for the deaf or hard of hearing). Subtitles may be rendered as hard-coded text or as selectable overlays (soft subtitles). Captions, often referred to as subtítulos para sordos, are a related form that also transmits sound effects and speaker identification. Practices vary by region, platform, and licensing, and guidelines typically address timing, line length, and readability.

In publishing, the subtítulo appears on the title page or cover and is part of bibliographic metadata. Style guides address punctuation, capitalization, and placement, aiming to convey the work’s scope succinctly while complementing the main título.

Trends in the digital era have broadened the use of subtítulos, supporting multilingual distribution and accessibility. Subtitling software and file formats (such as SRT and WebVTT) enable authors, studios, and platforms to create, synchronize, and deliver subtitles efficiently.