bravo
/BRAH-voh/
angry
When describing a person's mood, bravo means angry.
bravo(adjective)
angry
?when describing a person's mood
,mad
?upset or furious
furious
?very angry
📝 In Action
Mi jefe estaba bravo porque llegué tarde a la reunión.
A2My boss was angry because I arrived late to the meeting.
¡No te pongas brava por una cosa tan pequeña!
B1Don't get mad over such a small thing!
💡 Grammar Points
Changing Endings
Like many Spanish descriptions, 'bravo' changes its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'bravo' (masculine singular), 'brava' (feminine singular), 'bravos' (masculine plural), and 'bravas' (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'
Mistake: "Soy bravo."
Correction: Estoy bravo. (You use 'estar' because anger is a temporary state or feeling, not a permanent characteristic.)
Bravo can describe something untamed, like a wild animal.
bravo(adjective)
wild
?untamed, usually for animals or plants
,rough
?for water or terrain
fierce
?describing an animal
,untamed
?uncontrolled
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que cruzar el río bravo, lleno de rocas y mucha corriente.
B2We had to cross the wild river, full of rocks and a strong current.
Cuidado con ese perro, es muy bravo y muerde.
B1Be careful with that dog, it is very fierce/aggressive and bites.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing Nature
When describing natural elements like oceans or rivers, 'bravo' emphasizes danger, roughness, or untamed power.
The word bravo is used to mean brave or courageous.
📝 In Action
El soldado bravo se lanzó a la batalla sin miedo.
C1The brave soldier threw himself into the battle without fear.
Fue un acto muy bravo arriesgar su vida por salvar al niño.
C2It was a very brave act to risk his life to save the child.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Choice
While accurate, using 'bravo' to mean 'brave' is often reserved for literature, historical contexts, or formal speeches. Use 'valiente' in daily conversation.
As an interjection, bravo is an exclamation of approval.
bravo(interjection)
Bravo!
?exclamation of approval
Well done!
?showing applause or appreciation
📝 In Action
¡Bravo! La orquesta tocó maravillosamente.
A1Bravo! The orchestra played wonderfully.
Cuando terminó su discurso, todo el público gritó: '¡Bravo, bravo!'
A2When he finished his speech, the entire audience shouted: 'Bravo, bravo!'
💡 Grammar Points
Interjection Form
When used as an exclamation of praise, 'bravo' does not change its ending, regardless of who performed or how many people are being praised.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bravo
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'bravo' is used to describe a rough sea?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'bravo' different from 'valiente'?
'Valiente' is the most common and standard way to say 'brave' or 'courageous' in everyday Spanish. 'Bravo' meaning 'brave' is more formal or old-fashioned. However, 'bravo' is the standard word for 'angry' or 'fierce/wild' (like an animal).
Does 'bravo' change its ending?
Yes, when 'bravo' is used as an adjective (meaning angry, wild, or brave), it changes to match the gender and number of the noun (bravo, brava, bravos, bravas). When it is used as an exclamation ('¡Bravo!'), it stays the same.