telón
Lemma: telón
Translation: curtain; theater curtain; stage curtain; drape (noun)
Etymology: Telón comes from the French 'toile' (cloth, canvas) which ultimately derives from Latin 'tela' (web, woven fabric). The English word 'toile' (a type of decorative linen or cotton fabric) shares this same root. The Spanish term specifically evolved to refer to the large curtain used in theaters, while maintaining its connection to fabric and cloth.
Example Usage
El telón se levantó y comenzó la obra.
The curtain rose and the play began.
Cuando cayó el telón, el público aplaudió entusiasmado.
When the curtain fell, the audience applauded enthusiastically.
El telón de fondo mostraba un paisaje de montañas.
The backdrop showed a mountain landscape.
Con la caída del telón de acero, terminó la Guerra Fría.
With the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Cold War ended.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'telón' as related to 'toile' (fabric) that 'tells on' what's behind it when it's raised.
- Imagine a 'tall-on' curtain that reaches from ceiling to floor in a theater.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish theater tradition, 'telón' specifically refers to the main curtain that separates the stage from the audience. The expressions 'caer el telón' (the curtain falls) and 'levantar el telón' (to raise the curtain) are commonly used metaphorically to indicate the beginning or end of events beyond just theatrical performances.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'telón' refers to a theater curtain, 'teléfono' means 'telephone'. They both start with 'tel-' but have completely different meanings and uses.
Confused word:
Olvidé mi teléfono en casa.
I forgot my telephone at home.
Notes: Telón is specifically a theater curtain, while a regular household curtain would typically be called 'cortina'.
Mnemonic: Telón ends with 'ón' like 'curtain' has an 'n', while teléfono ends with 'no' like you say 'no' to answering a call sometimes.
Explanation: 'Telón' (curtain) and 'talón' (heel, check/bank draft) differ by just one vowel but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The stress falls on the final syllable in both words.
Mnemonic: Telón with 'e' is for entertainment (theater), while talón with 'a' is for anatomy (heel) or accounts (check).