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"El público" is a form of "público", an adjective which is often translated as "public". "Espectador" is a noun which is often translated as "spectator". Learn more about the difference between "el público" and "espectador" below.
público, el público(
poo
-
blee
-
koh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. public
No deberían bloquear la entrada a esta playa; es un sitio público.The entrance to this beach shouldn't be blocked off; it's a public place.
a. public
Muchos países se encuentran agobiados por la deuda pública.Many countries are crushed by public debt.
a. public
Parece que su relación ya es pública y oficial.It seems their relationship is now public and official.
4. (education)
a. public (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Soy gran partidaria de la enseñanza pública.I'm a great supporter of public education.
b. state (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Mis hijos van a un colegio público.My children go to a state school.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. public
¿Sabes si la biblioteca ya está abierta al público?Do you know if the library is open to the public yet?
6. (onlookers)
a. audience
Es una película muy innovadora, pero el público no sabe apreciarla.It's a very innovative film, but the audience just doesn't appreciate it.
b. crowd
Hoy el equipo está jugando ante un público muy hostil.Today the team is playing to a very hostile crowd.
c. spectators
Gran cantidad de público asistió al desfile.A large number of spectators attended the parade.
7. (followers)
a. fans
A nuestro público no le gustará este cambio de tono.Our fans won't like this change in tone.
b. readership (print or digital media)
El autor decía que tenía un público muy inteligente.The author said he had a very intelligent readership.
d. viewers (television)
Un miembro de nuestro público ya sabe la respuesta a la pregunta de esta semana.One of our viewers already knows the answer to this week's question.
el espectador, la espectadora(
ehs
-
pehk
-
tah
-
dohr
)This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
d. member of the audience (film and theater)
Para mi próximo truco, voy a necesitar que un espectador se ofrezca a ayudarme.For my next trick, I will need a member of the audience to volunteer to help me.
e. viewer (television)
Gracias a todos nuestros espectadores por sintonizarnos; nos veremos la próxima semana.Thank you to all our viewers for tuning in, and we'll see you next week.
