Subtítulo

A subtítulo (Spanish and Portuguese for subtitle) is a textual version of the dialogue or commentary in films, television programs, video games, and other visual media, usually displayed at the bottom of the screen. Subtitles are primarily used to make content accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, or to allow viewers to understand content in a foreign language.

Subtitles differ from closed captions, which are specifically designed for accessibility and include not only dialogue but also descriptions of sound effects and other auditory cues. While subtitles typically only translate spoken words, closed captions provide a more comprehensive representation of the audio experience.

Subtitles can be presented in various formats, including open subtitles (burned into the video image and cannot be turned off), closed subtitles (which can be toggled on or off by the viewer), and teletext subtitles (an older format used primarily in Europe).

The creation of accurate and well-timed subtitles is a complex process involving transcription, translation (if necessary), synchronization with the audio, and careful consideration of reading speed and screen space. Professional subtitlers use specialized software and techniques to ensure that the subtitles are both informative and visually appealing.