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luto

loo-toh/ˈluto/

“luto” means “mourning” in Spanish (the period or state of grief after a death).

mourning

Also: grief, black clothes
NounmB1
General
A person dressed in simple black clothing sitting alone on a wooden bench, looking down with a peaceful but somber expression.

📝 In Action

La familia está de luto por la muerte del abuelo.

A2

The family is in mourning because of the grandfather's death.

El gobierno declaró tres días de luto oficial.

B1

The government declared three days of official mourning.

Ella todavía viste de luto, aunque han pasado dos años.

B2

She still wears mourning clothes, even though two years have passed.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • alegría (joy)
  • celebración (celebration)

Common Collocations

  • estar de luto – to be in mourning
  • guardar luto – to observe a period of mourning
  • luto riguroso – strict/heavy mourning (often meaning wearing all black)

Idioms & Expressions

  • ponerse de luto – to go into mourning or to become somber

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "luto" in Spanish:

black clothes→grief→mourning→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: luto

Question 1 of 3

Which phrase would you use to say 'He is in mourning'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
enlutar(to put into mourning/to sadden) — Verb
lutulento(muddy/gloomy (literary)) — Adjective
enlutado(mourning/dressed in black) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'luctus,' which means 'sorrow,' 'grief,' or 'mourning.' This comes from the verb 'lugere,' meaning 'to mourn' or 'to lament.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: lugubriousPortuguese: lutoItalian: lutto

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'luto' only about wearing black clothes?

No. While it often refers to the clothing, it more broadly refers to the state of being in mourning or the official period of time recognized after a death.

What is the difference between 'luto' and 'duelo'?

'Duelo' refers to the internal psychological and emotional process of grieving. 'Luto' refers to the external signs, social customs, and the state of mourning.

Can I use 'luto' for things other than death?

Metaphorically, yes. You might say 'el deporte está de luto' (the sport is in mourning) if a legendary player retires or if something very sad happens in that community.