rojo
/RRO-ho (roll the 'R', sound the 'j' like an 'H')/
red
This strawberry is described as 'rojo' (red).
📝 In Action
Compré una bufanda roja para el invierno.
A1I bought a red scarf for the winter.
Las luces del semáforo estaban rojas, tuvimos que parar.
A2The traffic lights were red, we had to stop.
Tiene los ojos rojos de tanto frotárselos.
B1He has red eyes from rubbing them so much.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Ending
'Rojo' changes its ending to match the noun it describes. Use 'rojo' or 'rojos' for masculine words, and 'roja' or 'rojas' for feminine words.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Feminine Form
Mistake: "La flor es rojo."
Correction: The correct form is 'La flor es roja.' Always make sure the descriptive word ends in -a if the thing is feminine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Red Wine Exception
When talking about red wine, Spanish almost always uses 'vino tinto' (dark wine) instead of 'vino rojo'. Use 'tinto' in restaurants!
'Rojo' can refer to the color itself, as seen in this solid red block.
📝 In Action
Mi color favorito es el rojo.
A1My favorite color is red.
El director puso los números en rojo, indicando pérdidas.
B2The director put the numbers in red, indicating losses.
Cuando lo retaron, se puso en rojo de la ira.
C1When they challenged him, he went red (got angry) with rage.
💡 Grammar Points
Talking about Colors as Things
When you talk about the color 'red' as a general thing (e.g., 'Red is a beautiful color'), you use the masculine noun form ('el rojo') even if you're comparing it to feminine nouns.
⭐ Usage Tips
Red Tape
If you need to talk about 'red tape' (excessive rules/bureaucracy), Spanish uses 'trámites burocráticos' or 'papeleo' rather than involving 'rojo'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: rojo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'rojo' to describe a feminine plural object?
📚 More Resources
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).