Inklingo
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rollo

/ROH-yoh/

roll

A tightly wound spool of bright red ribbon resting on a clean white surface.

A physical cylinder of material, like this roll of ribbon, is a common meaning of rollo.

rollo(noun)

mA1

roll

?

a physical cylinder of material

,

coil

?

of cable or wire

Also:

spool

?

for film or thread

,

reel

?

for film or tape

📝 In Action

Necesito un rollo de papel de regalo para envolver el libro.

A1

I need a roll of wrapping paper to wrap the book.

El electricista dejó un rollo de cable en la esquina.

A2

The electrician left a coil of cable in the corner.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bobina (spool/reel)
  • cilindro (cylinder)

Common Collocations

  • rollo de papel – roll of paper
  • rollo de película – roll of film

💡 Grammar Points

Nouns for Measurement

'Rollo' is often used like a measuring unit, similar to saying 'a sheet' or 'a piece.' Remember it's always masculine: 'un rollo'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Film vs. Paper

This word works for any material that is flexible and cylindrical, from toilet paper ('papel higiénico') to photographic film.

A child sits slumped at a wooden table, resting their head on their hand, looking extremely bored while staring at a single, long strand of spaghetti that stretches across the table.

Rollo can describe something tedious or boring, like a very long, dull task.

rollo(noun)

mB2

bore

?

a tedious event or thing

,

drag

?

a boring experience

Also:

nuisance

?

a hassle or bother

,

tedious thing

?

something dull

📝 In Action

¡Qué rollo de película! No pasa nada interesante.

B1

What a boring movie! Nothing interesting happens.

Tener que esperar una hora en la cola fue un rollo.

B2

Having to wait an hour in line was a drag/hassle.

Mi jefe se pone muy rollo cuando habla de sus vacaciones.

C1

My boss gets really boring/tedious when he talks about his vacation.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • aburrimiento (boredom)
  • fastidio (nuisance/annoyance)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • Ser un rollo – To be a bore/drag
  • ¡Qué rollo! – What a bore/hassle!

💡 Grammar Points

Expressing Boredom

When 'rollo' means 'bore,' it is usually used with 'ser' (to be) or in the exclamation '¡Qué rollo!' to show strong frustration or boredom.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Rollo' and 'Aburrido'

Mistake: "Using 'Estoy rollo' to mean 'I am bored.'"

Correction: Use 'Estoy aburrido/a' for 'I am bored.' 'Soy un rollo' means 'I am a boring person.'

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

If someone says 'Esto es un rollo,' they are definitely complaining. This is a very casual, expressive complaint.

A man and a woman smile brightly at each other as they quickly pass by on a winding path, symbolizing a brief encounter.

When used informally, rollo refers to a brief, casual romantic relationship or fling.

rollo(noun)

mB1

fling

?

a casual romantic relationship

,

affair

?

a secret romantic involvement

Also:

thing

?

a casual relationship

📝 In Action

Ellos tuvieron un rollo durante el verano, pero ya terminó.

B1

They had a fling/thing during the summer, but it's over now.

¿Sabes si María tiene un rollo con el nuevo camarero?

B2

Do you know if Maria is seeing (has a thing with) the new waiter?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • aventura (adventure/affair)
  • lío (mess/complication (often used for relationships))

Common Collocations

  • Tener un rollo – To have a fling/be seeing someone

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Tener'

To talk about having this kind of relationship, you always use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tener un rollo con alguien' (to have a fling with someone).

⭐ Usage Tips

Relationship Status

Using 'rollo' implies the relationship is casual, short-lived, or not serious. Use 'novio/a' for a serious boyfriend/girlfriend.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: rollo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'rollo' to mean 'a casual romantic relationship'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

enrollar(to roll up/to wind) - verb
desenrollar(to unroll/to unwind) - verb
enrollado/a(cool/friendly (informal)) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'rollo' appropriate in formal settings?

Only when referring to the literal meaning of a physical roll or coil (Definition 1). When referring to a boring situation or a casual relationship, it is highly informal and should be avoided in professional or academic contexts.

Does 'rollo' mean the same thing in Spain and Latin America?

No. The informal meanings (boring/fling) are extremely common in Spain. In many parts of Latin America, 'rollo' primarily means the physical 'roll' (like film or paper), and other words like 'aburrido' or 'lío' are used for the figurative meanings.