Today’s Spanish word of the day is “negro”.
It’s an adjective meaning “black”.
Like in English, it can also be used metaphorically to refer to negative emotions, for example:
- Ver todo negro. – To see everything black (in a negative light).
The word “negro” can be used to refer to black people, either as an adjective or as a noun. However, referring to someone this way can be offensive depending on the context. Some more polite options for referring to dark-skinned people of African descent in Spanish include the following:
- Afrodescendiente – Afro-descendant
- De piel oscura – Of dark skin
While it can be offensive in some contexts, the word “negro” doesn’t have the same baggage in Spanish as it does in English, since in Spanish it is the standard word for the color black whereas in English the word was adopted from Spanish or Portuguese and used exclusively as a racial label.
In many Latin American countries, the word “negro” or “negra” can be used as an affectionate nickname for a partner or close friend or relative. When used this way, it has no connection to ethnicity. It’s often used with the diminuitive -ito/-ita suffix, which adds extra tenderness. Here are some examples:
- Ven acá, negrito, come tu comida. – Come here, sweetie, eat your food.
- Mi negra bella. – My beautiful darling.
The word “negro” comes from the Latin word niger, which also meant “black”.
Example sentences
El cielo se volvió negro antes de la tormenta.
The sky turned black before the storm.
Me gusta el café negro.
I like black coffee.
El coche tiene asientos de cuero negro.
The car has black leather seats.
El negro es un color que nunca pasa de moda.
Black is a color that never goes out of style.
El color negro no solo representa la oscuridad, sino que también simboliza elegancia, poder y misterio en muchas culturas.
The color black not only represents darkness, but also symbolizes elegance, power and mystery in many cultures.
