verdes
/VEHR-dess/
green
The plural adjective 'verdes' means 'green' (plural).
verdes(adjective)
green
?plural form (describing color)
unripe
?referring to fruit or vegetables
,inexperienced
?referring to people (often slang)
📝 In Action
Compramos sillas verdes para el jardín.
A1We bought green chairs for the garden.
Las peras todavía están verdes; no las comas.
B1The pears are still unripe; don't eat them.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'verdes' is the plural form of 'verde,' you must use it when describing more than one thing, regardless of if the thing is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'libros verdes' and 'mesas verdes').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Plural
Mistake: "Los árboles son verde."
Correction: Los árboles son verdes. (The adjective must match the plural noun 'árboles'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Unripeness
In Spanish, using 'verde' to describe fruit or vegetables often means they are 'unripe' or 'not ready to eat,' not just that they are the color green.
As a noun, 'verdes' can refer to 'greens' or leafy vegetables.
📝 In Action
El doctor me dijo que coma más verdes.
B1The doctor told me to eat more greens (vegetables).
La ciudad está invirtiendo en más verdes urbanos.
B2The city is investing in more urban green spaces.
💡 Grammar Points
Noun Function
When 'verdes' is used as a noun, it almost always refers to plural items, such as the collective group of leafy vegetables or multiple green areas.
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you are talking about food, 'los verdes' means vegetables. If you are talking about city planning, it means parks or natural areas.
'Verdes' is an informal noun used to refer to 'cash' or money, especially US dollars.
📝 In Action
Necesito cien verdes para comprar el boleto.
C1I need a hundred bucks (dollars) to buy the ticket.
💡 Grammar Points
Slang Usage
This meaning is specific to cultures where the currency (like the US dollar) is predominantly green. It is always used in the plural.
⭐ Usage Tips
Avoid Formal Settings
Only use 'verdes' to mean money in very casual conversations with friends. Use 'dinero' or 'efectivo' in formal situations.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: verdes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'verdes' as a noun meaning 'money'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'verdes' is referring to the color or to vegetables?
If 'verdes' is used without an article (e.g., 'Los zapatos son verdes'), it's the adjective describing the color. If it is preceded by an article (e.g., 'Los verdes son saludables'), it is acting as a noun meaning 'vegetables' or 'greens'.
Is 'verdes' always plural?
Yes, 'verdes' is the plural form of the word 'verde.' If you are talking about a single item, you must use 'verde' (without the 's').