Inklingo
← Dictionary

rojo

RRO-ho (roll the 'R', sound the 'j' like an 'H')ˈro.xo

“rojo” means “red” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

red

Also: ruddy
A vibrant, perfectly ripe red strawberry with green leaves, set against a simple background.

📝 In Action

Compré una bufanda roja para el invierno.

A1

I bought a red scarf for the winter.

Las luces del semáforo estaban rojas, tuvimos que parar.

A2

The traffic lights were red, we had to stop.

Tiene los ojos rojos de tanto frotárselos.

B1

He has red eyes from rubbing them so much.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • carmesí (crimson)
  • encarnado (bright red (often skin))

Common Collocations

  • alerta roja – red alert
  • vino tinto – red wine (Note: 'tinto' is used instead of 'rojo')

red

Also: leftist
NounmB1
Historical Spain/Latin America
A solid, vibrant square block of pure red color floating in a white space.

📝 In Action

Mi color favorito es el rojo.

A1

My favorite color is red.

El director puso los números en rojo, indicando pérdidas.

B2

The director put the numbers in red, indicating losses.

Cuando lo retaron, se puso en rojo de la ira.

C1

When they challenged him, he went red (got angry) with rage.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • luz roja – red light (traffic/warning)
  • ponerse en rojo – to go into the red (financially)

Idioms & Expressions

  • ver todo rojo – to be extremely angry or furious

Vocabulary Collections

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "rojo" in Spanish:

leftist→red→ruddy→

🗣️ Practice in a Tongue Twister

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: rojo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'rojo' to describe a feminine plural object?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
rojear(to turn reddish) — Verb
rojizo(reddish) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the vulgar Latin word *russeus*, which itself derived from the classic Latin *rubeus*, meaning 'red' or 'reddish'. It has been used in Spanish since the Middle Ages.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: rossoFrench: rougeEnglish: ruby

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'rojo' have four forms (rojo, roja, rojos, rojas)?

Because 'rojo' is a descriptive word (adjective), and in Spanish, these words must agree with the person or thing they describe. This helps keep the sentence clear about who or what is red.

When do I use 'rojo' versus 'colorado'?

'Rojo' is the standard word for the color red. 'Colorado' is often used to describe someone who is flushed or red-faced, usually from embarrassment, exercise, or sunburn. For example, 'Está colorado' (He is blushing).