oscura
“oscura” means “dark” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
dark, dim
Also: gloomy
📝 In Action
La habitación estaba muy oscura después de que se fue la luz.
A1The room was very dark after the light went out.
Prefiero la noche oscura para ver las estrellas.
A2I prefer the dark night to see the stars.
obscure, mysterious
Also: vague
📝 In Action
Su pasado es una historia muy oscura que nadie conoce bien.
B1Her past is a very obscure story that no one knows well.
La filosofía a veces utiliza terminología demasiado oscura.
B2Philosophy sometimes uses terminology that is too obscure.
deep, dark
📝 In Action
Me gusta esa tonalidad de azul oscura para pintar la pared.
B2I like that dark shade of blue to paint the wall.
Llevaba una falda roja oscura, casi granate.
C1She was wearing a deep red skirt, almost maroon.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: oscura
Question 1 of 2
Which English translation best fits 'La razón de su despido es muy oscura'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin word *obscūrus*, which meant 'dark, shadowy, indistinct, or hidden.' The core meaning of lacking light or clarity has remained consistent for centuries.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'oscura' and 'sombría'?
'Oscura' focuses on the absence of light (physically or figuratively). 'Sombría' (somber/shady) often carries a stronger emotional tone of sadness, melancholy, or gloom, even if there is some light present.
Since 'oscura' is an adjective, does it always go after the noun?
Usually, yes. Adjectives of description like 'oscura' typically follow the noun (e.g., 'la casa oscura'). Placing it before the noun ('la oscura casa') is possible, but makes the language sound more literary or poetic.