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negro

black

adjective NEH-groh Common
Descriptions & Qualities Colors

Also means

dark

Usage Note

Negro is a straightforward colour adjective (café negro = 'black coffee', mercado negro = 'black market'), but learners should be aware that as a noun or direct address it can be offensive in many Spanish-speaking contexts, especially in Spain and parts of Latin America. The phrase pasarlas negras means 'to have a rough time'. Humor negro ('dark humour') is widely used across registers.

Examples

"Lleva un abrigo negro."

Natural Translation

She's wearing a black coat.

Literal Translation

She-wears a coat black

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