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How to Say "blindly" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ciegas

/SYEH-gahs//ˈsje.ɣas/

adverbB1
Use 'ciegas' when performing an action without seeing or knowing what is happening, often implying trust or lack of information.
A person wearing a blindfold while trying to find a colorful piñata.

Examples

Confío en mi hermana a ciegas.

I trust my sister blindly.

Caminaba a ciegas por el pasillo oscuro.

I was walking blindly through the dark hallway.

Fixed Phrases

In the phrase 'a ciegas,' the word never changes to 'ciegos,' even if a man is speaking. It is a set expression.

oscuras

ohs-KOO-rahs/osˈku.ɾas/

adverbB1
Use 'oscuras' figuratively to describe a situation where there is no light or guidance, forcing you to act without clear direction.
A simple silhouette of a child walking across a floor in a room completely shrouded in deep shadows and darkness, representing the state of being without light.

Examples

Se fue la luz y tuvimos que cenar a oscuras.

The power went out and we had to eat dinner in the dark.

No puedes tomar una decisión tan importante a oscuras.

You can't make such an important decision blindly (without knowing the facts).

Fixed Adverbial Phrase

When used to mean 'in the dark' or 'blindly,' 'oscuras' almost always follows the preposition 'a'. The phrase 'a oscuras' functions as an adverb, describing how an action is performed.

Always Plural and Feminine

Even though this phrase acts like an adverb (which usually doesn't change), 'a oscuras' is fixed in the feminine plural form and never changes to 'a oscuro' or 'a oscuros'.

Literal vs. Figurative Use

The most common mistake is using 'ciegas' for figurative situations. Remember, 'ciegas' is for acting without seeing or knowing, while 'oscuras' is specifically for when there's no light or guidance.

Related Translations

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