The aim of this study is twofold: on the one hand, to approach the reading activity as a process of comprehension; and, on the other, to examine the possible links between this process and the activity of the translator. To do this, the essay is based on the premise that in all translating processes, there are two moments: the moment of comprehension and the moment of expression. Given that the second cannot exist without the first, the authors believe that to dedicate a complete study to this stage, which plays a fundamental role in all translating activity, is completely justifiable. To this end, the reading process is examined in the light of different theories, establishing the similarities, as well as the differences, between the reader and the translator. In support of these theoretical premises, different English versions of poem 145 by Sister Juana Inés de la Cruz, also known as A su retrato, are analysed.