A movie theater in Spanish is typically referred to as a cine. This term can be used both as a singular and plural noun. The word cine is derived from the Latin word cinematographus, which means “moving picture”.
In addition to the term cine, movie theaters may also be referred to as salas de cine or salas de exibición. Sala de cine means “cinema hall” in English, while sala de exibición translates to “exhibition hall”. These terms are typically used when referring to a specific movie theater or auditorium.
In Spain, movie theaters are sometimes also known as cinematecas. A cinemateca in Spain is a place where you can watch older films that may no longer be shown in regular theaters. This term is derived from the English word “cinematheque”, which refers to a movie theater specializing in classic or art house films.
In Mexico and other Latin American countries, movie theaters may also be referred to as cines o teatros. Cines o teatros literally translates to “cinemas or theaters” in English. This term is often used when talking about larger chains of movie theaters such as Cinépolis.
No matter what country you are in, if you want to go see a film you can find out what it’s called by asking locals what they call the local movie theater. In Spanish-speaking countries, it’s likely that they will refer to it as either cine, sala de cine, or sala de exibición.
Conclusion:
The most common name for a movie theater in Spanish is cine. However, depending on the country and region you are visiting, you may hear other words such as salas de cine or salas de exibición being used as well.
In Mexico and other Latin American countries, movie theaters may also be referred to as cines o teatros.