sombrío
“sombrío” means “shady” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
shady, gloomy
Also: shadowy
📝 In Action
Caminamos por un sendero sombrío en el bosque.
B1We walked along a shady path in the forest.
La habitación era sombría y solo tenía una pequeña ventana.
B1The room was gloomy and only had one small window.
Prefiero los jardines sombríos durante el verano.
B2I prefer shady gardens during the summer.
somber, dismal
Also: melancholy
📝 In Action
Tenía un semblante sombrío después de recibir la noticia.
B2He had a somber expression after receiving the news.
El futuro de la empresa parece un poco sombrío.
C1The future of the company looks a bit dismal.
Su humor siempre es sombrío por las mañanas.
B2His mood is always gloomy in the mornings.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sombrío
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence describes a physical location that lacks light?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Derived from the Spanish word 'sombra' (shadow), which comes from the Latin 'sub' (under) and 'umbra' (shadow/shade). Literally, it describes something 'under the shade'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'sombrío' always a negative word?
Not necessarily. When describing a garden or a park, being 'sombrío' (shady) can be a positive thing, especially in hot countries. However, when describing a person's mood or the future, it is usually negative.
What is the difference between 'oscuro' and 'sombrío'?
'Oscuro' simply means dark (lack of light). 'Sombrío' implies that there are shadows or that the darkness creates a specific, often moody or gloomy, atmosphere.
Does it relate to 'sombrero' (hat)?
Yes! Both words come from 'sombra'. A 'sombrero' is literally something that provides 'sombra' (shade) for your head.