red
/rehd (like 'red' but with a softer 'd' sound)/
net
The word "red" can mean a net used for fishing or catching.
red(noun)
net
?fishing, catching, sports equipment
,netting
?material structure
mesh
?fine or strong fabric
,web
?spider's creation
📝 In Action
Los pescadores lanzaron la red al mar.
A1The fishermen threw the net into the sea.
Necesitas una red de seguridad si vas a escalar.
A2You need a safety net if you are going to climb.
Ten cuidado con esa red de araña.
A1Be careful with that spider web.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though 'red' ends in 'd' (which is sometimes masculine), it is a feminine noun, requiring 'la' or 'una'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Visualizing the Concept
Think of the crossed threads in a fisherman's net—this is the core image behind all meanings of 'red'.
"Red" is also used to refer to a communication or transport network.
red(noun)
network
?computers, communications, transport
,web
?the Internet (often capitalized)
system
?interconnected entities
,grid
?power/utility distribution
📝 In Action
No tengo conexión a la red de wifi en el café.
A2I don't have a connection to the wifi network in the cafe.
Las redes sociales han cambiado cómo interactuamos.
B1Social networks have changed how we interact.
Madrid tiene una red de metro muy eficiente.
B1Madrid has a very efficient subway network.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'La Red' for the Internet
When referring to the Internet specifically, Spanish often capitalizes 'Red' (la Red), similar to how English uses 'the Web'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Network' as a verb
Mistake: "Voy a redear con la gente nueva."
Correction: Voy a hacer contactos con la gente nueva. ('Red' is only a noun; use phrases like 'hacer contactos' for networking.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Connecting to the Network
The phrase for connecting or being online is usually 'conectado a la red' (connected to the network).
This word also describes the goal net used in sports like soccer or hockey.
red(noun)
goal net
?soccer, hockey
,net
?tennis, volleyball divider
hoop (figurative)
?scoring mechanism
📝 In Action
¡Gol! El delantero metió el balón en la red.
B1Goal! The striker put the ball in the net.
La pelota rozó la red y cayó fuera.
B1The ball scraped the net and fell out (of bounds).
⭐ Usage Tips
Specificity in Sports
In football (soccer), when talking about the act of scoring, you can use 'gol' or 'la red' interchangeably to describe where the ball went.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: red
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'red' is used when talking about global communication?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'red' ever masculine?
No, 'red' is always a feminine noun (la red), regardless of which meaning you use. You might occasionally see it used incorrectly, but always remember to use 'la' or 'una'.
How do I distinguish between the physical net and the Internet meaning?
Context is key. If you see 'la Red' capitalized, it almost certainly means 'the Internet.' If it's used with verbs like 'conectar' or 'navegar' (to connect/browse), it means 'network.' If it's used with 'pescar' (to fish) or 'atrapar' (to trap), it means 'physical net'.