oscuros
/os-KU-ros/
dark
When things are oscuros (dark), they lack light, like this path at midnight.
oscuros(Adjective)
dark
?lacking light
,dim
?low light levels
deep
?describing colors (e.g., deep blues)
📝 In Action
Los pasillos del castillo eran muy oscuros y fríos.
A1The corridors of the castle were very dark and cold.
Prefiero los colores oscuros para la ropa de invierno.
A2I prefer dark colors for winter clothes.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'oscuros' ends in '-os', it is masculine and plural. It must describe masculine plural things (like 'pasillos' or 'colores').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Plurality
Mistake: "La noche es oscuro."
Correction: La noche es oscura. ('Noche' is feminine, so the adjective must match.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Color Description
To specify a dark color, you can say 'azul oscuro' (dark blue). Remember, if the color noun is plural, the adjective changes: 'azules oscuros'.
When something is oscuros (obscure), it is difficult to understand or see clearly, like a shape hidden by fog.
oscuros(Adjective)
obscure
?difficult to understand
,mysterious
?hidden or unknown
shady
?morally ambiguous actions
,murky
?unclear situations
📝 In Action
Los detalles de su pasado permanecen oscuros.
B2The details of his past remain obscure/hidden.
Tienen intereses oscuros en ese negocio.
C1They have shady/hidden interests in that business.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
When used figuratively, 'oscuros' describes abstract things like feelings, intentions, or histories, meaning they are unclear, hidden, or morally questionable.
⭐ Usage Tips
Literary Context
This figurative use is common in literature, news, and formal speech when discussing complex or suspicious topics.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: oscuros
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'oscuros' to mean 'mysterious' or 'hidden', rather than simply 'lacking light'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'oscuros' only used for physical darkness?
No. While its most common use is describing a physical lack of light (dark rooms, dark colors), it is frequently used to describe abstract concepts like intentions, secrets, or periods of history that are mysterious, unclear, or morally bad.
How do I know whether to use 'oscuros' or 'oscuras'?
'Oscuros' is masculine plural. Use it when describing masculine plural nouns (like 'ojos' or 'pasillos'). If the noun is feminine plural (like 'noches' or 'sombras'), you must use 'oscuras'.