nocturno
“nocturno” means “nocturnal” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
nocturnal, night
Also: nighttime
📝 In Action
El búho es un animal nocturno; duerme de día.
A2The owl is a nocturnal animal; it sleeps during the day.
Mi trabajo es en el turno nocturno, de 10 p.m. a 6 a.m.
B1My job is on the night shift, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
La vida nocturna de Madrid es muy famosa.
A2Madrid's nightlife is very famous.
nocturne
📝 In Action
El pianista interpretó un bello nocturno de Debussy.
C1The pianist performed a beautiful nocturne by Debussy.
El poeta escribió un nocturno en honor a la luna llena.
C2The poet wrote a nocturne (a night-themed poem) in honor of the full moon.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: nocturno
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the descriptive form of 'nocturno'?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes directly from the Latin word *nocturnus*, meaning 'of the night,' which itself is derived from *nox*, meaning 'night.' It has been used in Spanish since medieval times, keeping its core meaning unchanged.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'nocturno' and 'de noche'?
They both mean 'of the night,' but 'nocturno' is a single, formal adjective used to describe characteristics (like 'animal nocturno' or 'instinto nocturno'). 'De noche' is often used to describe actions or timing ('trabajar de noche' - to work at night) and is more common in everyday speech.
Can 'nocturno' be used for people?
Yes, you can use it to describe a person who is active late at night: 'Soy una persona nocturna' (I am a night owl/nocturnal person). You must remember to match the ending to the person's gender.