oscuridad
“oscuridad” means “darkness” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
darkness
Also: the dark, gloom
📝 In Action
Después del atardecer, la oscuridad cubrió todo el valle.
A2After sunset, darkness covered the whole valley.
Se fue la luz y tuvimos que caminar en la oscuridad total.
B1The power went out and we had to walk in total darkness.
obscurity
Also: secrecy, complexity
📝 In Action
La oscuridad de su escritura hacía el libro muy difícil de leer.
B2The obscurity/complexity of his writing made the book very difficult to read.
El presidente operaba en la oscuridad, sin informar al público.
C1The president operated in secrecy, without informing the public.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "oscuridad" in Spanish:
complexity→darkness→gloom→obscurity→secrecy→the dark→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: oscuridad
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'oscuridad' in its most literal, basic sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *obscuritas*, meaning 'darkness' or 'absence of light,' derived from the adjective *obscurus*.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (around 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'oscuridad' and 'sombra'?
'Oscuridad' means darkness—the complete absence of light, usually during the night or indoors without power. 'Sombra' means shadow or shade, which is the lack of light in a specific area caused by an object blocking the light (like the shadow of a tree).
How do I correctly say 'dark' using the related words?
You use the adjective 'oscuro/a'. For example: 'El cuarto está oscuro' (The room is dark). 'Oscuridad' is the state of being dark (the noun).