franco
/frán-ko/
frank
When someone is franco (frank), they are honest and direct.
franco(adjective)
frank
?honest and direct
,candid
?openly truthful
straightforward
?not hiding anything
📝 In Action
Para serte franco, no me gustó nada la película.
B1To be frank with you, I didn't like the movie at all.
Ella es una persona muy franca, siempre dice exactamente lo que piensa.
B2She is a very candid person; she always says exactly what she thinks.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'franco' must match the gender and number of the person or thing it describes: 'un hombre franco' (a frank man) vs. 'una mujer franca' (a frank woman).
⭐ Usage Tips
How to Start an Honest Statement
A very common way to use this is the phrase 'Para ser franco/a...' (To be frank...), which signals that you are about to give an honest opinion.
This package is franco (free) because it is exempt from taxes or duties.
franco(adjective)
free
?exempt from taxes or duties
,exempt
?from charges
tax-free
?commerce/trade
📝 In Action
La zona franca permite el comercio sin pagar aranceles.
C1The free zone allows trade without paying tariffs.
Este tipo de envío es franco de porte, lo que significa que el remitente paga el costo.
C2This type of shipment is carriage paid, meaning the sender pays the cost.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Usage
This meaning of 'franco' is often combined with prepositions like 'de' ('franco de porte' or 'franco de gastos') to indicate what the item is free FROM.
The franco (franc) is a unit of currency.
📝 In Action
El franco suizo sigue siendo una moneda muy fuerte.
B2The Swiss franc remains a very strong currency.
En el pasado, un café costaba solo unos pocos francos.
B1In the past, a coffee only cost a few francs.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender
When referring to the currency or the historical people, 'franco' is always masculine: 'el franco' (the franc) and 'los francos' (the Franks).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: franco
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'franco' in the sense of being free from charges or duties?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'franco' have a feminine form?
Yes, when used as an adjective (meaning 'frank' or 'free'), it changes its ending: 'franco' (masculine singular) and 'franca' (feminine singular). For example, 'una respuesta franca' (a frank answer).
Is 'franco' related to the name of the country France?
Yes, they share the same root! Both come from the name of the Germanic tribe, the Franks, who gave their name to the region and whose identity was tied to the concept of 'freedom'.