tinto
“tinto” means “red wine” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
red wine
Also: glass of red wine
📝 In Action
Quisiera una copa de vino tinto, por favor.
A1I would like a glass of red wine, please.
El tinto de esta región es muy famoso.
A2The red wine from this region is very famous.
¿Prefieres tinto o blanco?
A1Do you prefer red or white (wine)?
black coffee
Also: long black
📝 In Action
Me gusta empezar el día con un tinto bien caliente.
A2I like to start the day with a very hot black coffee.
¿Quieres un tintico?
B1Would you like a little black coffee?
Dos tintos sin azúcar, por favor.
A2Two black coffees without sugar, please.
dark red
Also: dyed, claret
📝 In Action
Las cortinas son de un color tinto profundo.
B2The curtains are a deep dark red color.
Tiene las manos tintas en sangre.
C1His hands are stained with blood (literary/dramatic).
Llevaba un vestido tinto muy elegante.
B2She was wearing a very elegant dark red dress.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tinto
Question 1 of 3
If you are in Bogotá, Colombia, and you order 'un tinto' at 8:00 AM, what will you receive?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'tinctus,' which means 'dyed' or 'dipped.' It is the same root that gave us the English word 'tint.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 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 is red wine not called 'vino rojo'?
Historically, red wine was seen as 'tinted' wine (because the juice is actually clear and gets its color from the skins). The name stuck and became the standard term.
Is 'tinta' the feminine of 'tinto'?
Yes, as an adjective it can be feminine. However, 'la tinta' is almost always used as a noun meaning 'ink' (like in a pen or printer).
Can I use 'tinto' to describe a red car?
Usually no. For a car, use 'rojo.' Use 'tinto' only if the color is a very specific dark, wine-like red, or if you are talking about wine or coffee.