negros
/NEH-gros/
black (plural)
Illustrating the color meaning: several things that are black.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
'Negros' is the masculine plural form. It must be used to describe masculine nouns that are plural, like 'libros' (books) or 'días' (days).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: "Las mochilas negros."
Correction: Las mochilas negras. (The adjective must match the feminine noun 'mochilas'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The Four Forms
Remember the four forms based on gender and number: negro (M, S), negra (F, S), negros (M, P), negras (F, P).
Illustrating the meaning of gloomy or dark (referring to moods or thoughts).
negros(Adjective)
gloomy/dark (plural)
?moods, thoughts, or events
unlicensed/illegal
?referring to undeclared work ('trabajos negros')
📝 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.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Meaning
When used figuratively, 'negros' often describes times, feelings, or situations that are bad, unfortunate, or deeply pessimistic.
Illustrating the noun meaning referring to a group of individuals.
negros(Noun)
Black people
?referring to a group of individuals
Black men
?specifically masculine reference
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Article
As a noun, 'negros' is almost always preceded by the definite article 'los' (the), making it 'los negros'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Cultural Note
In many formal and academic settings, or when discussing identity, it is recommended to use more descriptive and respectful terms like 'personas negras' (Black people) or 'afrodescendientes' (people of African descent) instead of using 'negros' as a standalone noun.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: negros
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'negros' in its figurative, non-color meaning?
📚 More Resources
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.