rodar
verbUpper-intermediate
What does “rodar” mean in English?
to roll; to film
to roll; to film (rodar — literal rolling motion; rodar una película — shoot a film; yo ruedo)
Example sentences
La directora pasó seis meses rodando su ópera prima en distintas localizaciones del sur de España.
The director spent six months filming her debut feature in various locations in southern Spain.
La pelota rodó lentamente hasta detenerse justo en el borde del campo de juego.
The ball rolled slowly until it stopped right at the edge of the pitch.
How to use it
Rodar has two main B2 senses: (1) to roll (algo rueda — something rolls); (2) to film/shoot (rodar una película — shoot a film). Stem-changing: yo ruedo. The film-making sense is highly productive in arts/media registers.
Common mistake
Rodar (film OR roll). In media contexts, rodar una película/un anuncio is the standard production verb. Don't use filmar — it's technically correct but less idiomatic in professional Spanish. For movement, rodar is intransitive (the ball rolls).
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Funciones 6.89.