áspero
“áspero” means “rough” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
rough
Also: coarse, uneven
📝 In Action
La lija es muy áspera para este mueble.
A1The sandpaper is too rough for this piece of furniture.
Sus manos estaban ásperas por el frío.
A2His hands were rough because of the cold.
La tela de este saco es un poco áspera.
B1The fabric of this sack is a bit coarse.
harsh
Also: gruff, abrasive
📝 In Action
Tiene un carácter un poco áspero.
B1He has a somewhat harsh character.
Me contestó con una voz áspera.
B2She answered me with a gruff voice.
No seas tan áspero con él, es solo un niño.
B2Don't be so harsh with him; he's just a child.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "áspero" in Spanish:
abrasive→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: áspero
Question 1 of 3
¿Cuál de estas cosas es 'áspera'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'asper', which literally means 'without hope of being smooth.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'áspero' for sounds?
Yes! A sound that is grating, raspy, or unpleasant to the ear can be called 'un sonido áspero'.
Is it different from 'rugoso'?
'Rugoso' means something has bumps or ridges (like a walnut shell), while 'áspero' focuses on how it scratches or feels unpleasant to the touch (like sandpaper).
How do I make it feminine or plural?
It follows the standard rules: áspero (masculine singular), áspera (feminine singular), ásperos (masculine plural), and ásperas (feminine plural).