rubio
/ROO-beeoh/
blond
Rubio is used as an adjective to describe the hair color, blond.
📝 In Action
Mi hermana es pelirroja, pero mi hermano es rubio.
A1My sister is red-haired, but my brother is blond.
Necesitas crema solar si tienes la piel rubia.
A2You need sunblock if you have fair skin.
Compró un tinte para el pelo de color rubio ceniza.
B1She bought an ash blond hair dye.
💡 Grammar Points
Changing for Gender
As an adjective, 'rubio' must match the gender of the person or thing it describes. Use 'rubia' when describing a female person or a feminine noun (e.g., 'la camisa rubia').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting Gender Agreement
Mistake: "Mi amiga es rubio."
Correction: Mi amiga es rubia. (The adjective must end in -a because 'amiga' is feminine.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Hair vs. Complexion
While 'blond' usually describes hair, 'rubio/a' can also be used to describe someone with a light or 'fair' complexion.
When used as a noun, rubio refers to a blond person (male).
📝 In Action
El rubio que está bebiendo café es mi jefe.
A2The blond guy who is drinking coffee is my boss.
Pregúntale al rubio si sabe la hora.
A2Ask the blond man if he knows the time.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Rubio' as a Noun
You can use the adjective directly as a noun by adding 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) in front of it. Remember to use 'la rubia' when referring to a woman.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
While common, using 'el rubio' to refer to someone can sometimes sound informal or like a simple description, much like saying 'the tall one' or 'the one with glasses'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: rubio
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine form of 'rubio'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'rubio' different from 'dorado'?
'Rubio' is the standard word for 'blond' or 'fair' when describing hair or skin color. 'Dorado' literally means 'golden' and is used when the color is shiny, metallic, or resembles gold, often implying a richer, brighter shade than a standard 'rubio'.
Does 'rubio' only refer to hair?
No. While most common for hair, 'rubio' can also describe a light or fair complexion ('piel rubia') or even light tobacco ('tabaco rubio').