oscuro
/oh-SKOO-roh/
dark
The adjective oscuro means 'dark,' describing something that lacks light, like this dimly lit apple.
oscuro(adjective)
dark
?lacking light
,dim
?low light levels
gloomy
?describing a place or atmosphere
📝 In Action
Estaba muy oscuro en el sótano y no encontré las llaves.
A1It was very dark in the basement and I couldn't find the keys.
Prefiero las películas con un tono oscuro y misterioso.
A2I prefer movies with a dark and mysterious tone.
No salgas después de que oscurezca.
A2Don't go out after it gets dark (after it darkens).
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement
As an adjective, 'oscuro' must always match the thing it describes. Use 'oscura' for feminine things (la noche oscura), 'oscuros' for masculine plural things, and 'oscuras' for feminine plural things.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Agreement
Mistake: "La noche es oscuro."
Correction: La noche es oscura. (The night is feminine, so the adjective must end in 'a'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Muy' vs. 'Un poco'
You can use 'muy' (very) or 'un poco' (a little) before 'oscuro' to modify the degree of darkness: 'La cueva es muy oscura'.
Oscuro can also mean 'obscure,' referring to something vague or difficult to understand, like this shape hidden in the mist.
oscuro(adjective)
obscure
?difficult to understand or vague
,hidden
?secret or concealed
complex
?referring to a topic or theme
,mysterious
?referring to an event or past
📝 In Action
El autor tiene un estilo de escritura muy oscuro, difícil de seguir.
B1The author has a very obscure (or complex) writing style, difficult to follow.
La historia de su pasado es bastante oscura y nadie sabe la verdad.
B2The story of his past is quite obscure/vague, and nobody knows the truth.
Las oscuras motivaciones del villano nunca fueron claras.
B2The villain's obscure motivations were never clear.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When 'oscuro' refers to difficulty or complexity, it describes abstract ideas (like a concept, a memory, or an intention) instead of just physical spaces. It keeps the same agreement rules as the literal meaning.
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to People
You can use 'oscuro' to describe a person's character or actions that are suspicious or immoral: 'Tenía intenciones oscuras' (He had dark intentions).
As a noun, oscuro translates to 'darkness,' illustrating the complete absence of light.
oscuro(noun)
darkness
?absence of light
,obscurity
?state of being hidden or unknown
shadow
?a specific area of darkness
📝 In Action
Salimos de la luz y entramos en el oscuro de la caverna.
B2We left the light and entered the darkness of the cavern.
Trabaja en el oscuro, sin que nadie sepa lo que está haciendo.
C1He works in the dark, without anyone knowing what he is doing.
💡 Grammar Points
Preferred Noun
While 'el oscuro' exists, the most common and standard noun for 'darkness' is the feminine noun 'la oscuridad'. 'El oscuro' is often used poetically or in specific set phrases.
⭐ Usage Tips
In the Dark
To say 'in the dark', use 'en la oscuridad' or, less commonly, 'en lo oscuro'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: oscuro
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'oscuro' in its figurative sense (meaning complex or vague)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cómo sé si debo usar 'oscuro', 'oscura', 'oscuros' o 'oscuras'?
Since 'oscuro' is an adjective, it must agree with the thing it describes. If you are talking about 'el libro' (masculine singular), you say 'el libro oscuro'. If you are talking about 'las ideas' (feminine plural), you say 'las ideas oscuras'. Match the ending to the noun's gender and number.
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'oscuro' y 'oscuridad'?
'Oscuro' is an adjective, used to describe things (The room is dark / La habitación es oscura). 'Oscuridad' is the noun, referring to the state of being dark (I fear the darkness / Temo la oscuridad).