Inklingo

How to Say "dark" in Spanish

English → Spanish

negra

NEH-grah/ˈneɡra/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'negra' to describe the color black, or figuratively for very bad luck or a negative mood.
A high quality illustration of a sleek black raven perched on a white branch, emphasizing the color black.

Examples

Ella siempre viste de ropa negra.

She always wears black clothes.

Quiero comprar una falda negra para la fiesta.

I want to buy a black skirt for the party.

La tinta negra se regó sobre el libro.

The black ink spilled all over the book.

Tuvo una suerte negra en los negocios.

She had terrible/unfortunate luck in business.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'negra' must match the noun it describes in gender (feminine) and number (singular). If you were describing a masculine noun, you would use 'negro'.

Figurative Meaning

When used figuratively, 'negra' extends the idea of 'black' (absence of light) to mean 'absence of hope' or 'difficulty' in phrases like 'mala suerte' (bad luck).

oscuro

oh-SKOO-roh/osˈkuɾo/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'oscuro' to describe a place or environment that lacks light.
A red apple is partially lit by a small flashlight beam against a completely dark background.

Examples

La habitación estaba muy oscura.

The room was very dark.

Estaba muy oscuro en el sótano y no encontré las llaves.

It was very dark in the basement and I couldn't find the keys.

Prefiero las películas con un tono oscuro y misterioso.

I prefer movies with a dark and mysterious tone.

No salgas después de que oscurezca.

Don't go out after it gets dark (after it darkens).

Agreement

As an adjective, 'oscuro' must always match the thing it describes. Use 'oscura' for feminine things (la noche oscura), 'oscuros' for masculine plural things, and 'oscuras' for feminine plural things.

Forgetting Agreement

Mistake: “La noche es oscuro.”

Correction: La noche es oscura. (The night is feminine, so the adjective must end in 'a'.)

cargado

kar-GAH-doh/kaɾˈɣaðo/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'cargado' to describe a drink like coffee or tea that is strong or intense.
A small cup of extremely dark, rich coffee emitting thick, intense steam, symbolizing strong flavor.

Examples

Me gusta mi café bien cargado.

I like my coffee very strong.

Necesito un café bien cargado para empezar el día.

I need a really strong coffee to start the day.

El vestido tiene un color rojo muy cargado.

The dress has a very intense red color.

Confusing 'negra' and 'oscuro'

Learners often confuse 'negra' and 'oscuro'. Remember that 'negra' primarily means the color black or bad luck, while 'oscuro' specifically refers to the absence of light. You wouldn't say 'la noche negra' for a dark night; you'd say 'la noche oscura'.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.