negros
“negros” means “black (plural)” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
black (plural)
Also: dark (plural)
📝 In Action
Los zapatos negros combinan con todo.
A1The black shoes go with everything.
Necesito unos lápices negros para este dibujo.
A1I need some black pencils for this drawing.
gloomy/dark (plural)
Also: unlicensed/illegal
📝 In Action
Tuvimos unos días negros después de la noticia.
B2We had some dark days after the news.
El informe reveló puntos negros en la gestión del proyecto.
C1The report revealed problem areas (black spots) in the project management.
Black people
Also: Black men
📝 In Action
Los negros de la delegación fueron recibidos con honores.
B1The Black members of the delegation were received with honors.
La historia de los negros en América es compleja y fascinante.
C1The history of Black people in America is complex and fascinating.
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: negros
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'negros' in its figurative, non-color meaning?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the classical Latin word *niger*, which meant 'black' or 'dark'. It has maintained this core meaning throughout its evolution into Spanish.
First recorded: Around the 10th century (in Old Spanish forms)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'negros' considered offensive when referring to people?
While 'negros' is a literal translation of 'Black people' and is used neutrally in many Spanish-speaking contexts, it can be seen as outdated or insensitive in formal or academic settings, especially in countries influenced by English-language discourse. It is generally safer and more respectful to use 'personas negras' or 'afrodescendientes' (people of African descent).
How do I know if 'negros' is a noun or an adjective?
If it is describing something else (e.g., 'los pájaros negros'), it is an adjective. If it is the main subject of the sentence and stands alone (e.g., 'Los negros celebraron'), it is functioning as a noun.