claro
/KLAH-roh/
clear
Just like a bright, sunny day, 'claro' can describe something full of light, a light color, or water you can see through.
claro(Adjective)
clear
?transparent, like water or sky
,bright
?full of light
,light
?referring to a color
pale
?a light shade of a color
📝 In Action
El agua del río está muy clara.
A1The river water is very clear.
Necesitamos una habitación más clara para leer.
A2We need a brighter room to read.
Me gusta el color azul claro.
A1I like the color light blue.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
'Claro' is like a chameleon. It changes to match the thing it's describing. For a masculine thing, use 'claro' (cielo claro). For a feminine thing, use 'clara' (agua clara).
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Colors
To say a color is 'light,' just add 'claro' after it. For example, 'verde claro' is light green, and 'gris claro' is light gray. It's super easy!
'Claro' also means something is easy to understand, like a good explanation that makes everything click.
claro(Adjective)
clear
?easy to understand
,obvious
?evident, plain to see
plain
?simple and direct
,evident
?self-evident
📝 In Action
Sus instrucciones fueron muy claras.
A2Her instructions were very clear.
Es claro que no estudió para el examen.
B1It's obvious that he didn't study for the exam.
¿Lo tienes claro?
B1Is it clear to you? / Do you get it?
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'
Use 'ser' for things that are naturally clear ('La idea es clara'). Use 'estar' when something becomes clear or is clear at a specific moment ('Ahora todo está claro').
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for Confirmation
You'll often hear people ask, '¿Claro?' at the end of a sentence. It works like asking 'Right?' or 'Get it?' in English to make sure the other person is following along.
When you do something 'claro,' you do it clearly. Here, the person is speaking 'claro' so everyone can understand.
claro(Adverb)
clearly
?in a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand
plainly
?in a direct or simple way
📝 In Action
Por favor, habla más claro, no te entiendo.
A2Please, speak more clearly, I don't understand you.
No veo claro sin mis gafas.
B1I don't see clearly without my glasses.
Él siempre piensa muy claro antes de actuar.
B2He always thinks very clearly before acting.
💡 Grammar Points
Adverbs Don't Change
Unlike the adjective 'claro/clara', when 'claro' is used like 'clearly', it never changes. It always stays 'claro', no matter who is doing the action.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding More Natural
While 'claramente' also means 'clearly' and is perfectly correct, Spanish speakers often just say 'claro' after a verb. 'Habla claro' is very common and sounds very natural.
As a single word, '¡Claro!' is a powerful and friendly way to say 'Of course!' or 'Sure!'.
claro(Interjection)
of course
?agreement or affirmation
,sure
?casual agreement
right
?expressing understanding
,obviously
?stating something evident
📝 In Action
- ¿Me ayudas? - ¡Claro!
A1- Can you help me? - Of course!
Claro que sí, puedes contar conmigo.
A2Of course, you can count on me.
Claro, lo entiendo perfectamente.
B1Right, I understand it perfectly.
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To Agreement Word
When you want to agree with someone enthusiastically, '¡Claro!' or '¡Claro que sí!' is the perfect response. It's friendlier and more common in conversation than just saying 'Sí'.
As a noun, 'un claro' is a spot where the trees open up, letting the light in—a clearing in the woods.
📝 In Action
Vimos un ciervo en un claro del bosque.
B2We saw a deer in a clearing in the forest.
A través de un claro en las nubes, vimos la luna.
C1Through a gap in the clouds, we saw the moon.
⭐ Usage Tips
Connecting to the Main Idea
Think of this meaning as a physical version of 'clear'. It's a place where the view is clear because there's an open space. This can help you remember it.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: claro
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'claro' to mean 'of course'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'claro' and 'claramente'?
They both mean 'clearly'. 'Claramente' is the more 'proper' adverb, but in everyday speech, people often just say 'claro' after a verb (like 'habla claro'). Using 'claro' sounds a bit more natural and conversational.
When should I use '¡Claro!' versus '¡Por supuesto!'?
'¡Claro!' is more common, friendly, and informal, like saying 'Sure!' or 'Of course!'. '¡Por supuesto!' is also very common but can sound a little more formal or emphatic, like 'Certainly!' or 'Without a doubt!'. You can use them interchangeably in most situations.
How do I say 'to make something clear'?
The most common phrase is 'dejar claro'. For example, 'Quiero dejar claro que no estoy de acuerdo' means 'I want to make it clear that I don't agree'. Another option is 'aclarar', which means 'to clarify'.