Inklingo

How to Say "flushed" in Spanish

English → Spanish

roja

ROH-hahˈro.xa

adjectiveA1general
Use 'roja' when a face simply turns red, often as a basic description without specifying the exact cause. It's the most general term for 'red'.
A bright red apple depicted in a simple, storybook illustration style.

Examples

Su cara se puso roja por el sol.

His face turned red from the sun.

Mi bicicleta nueva es roja y negra.

My new bicycle is red and black.

La capa roja de Caperucita es famosa.

Little Red Riding Hood's red cloak is famous.

Ella tiene los ojos rojos por el cansancio.

She has red eyes from tiredness.

Gender Agreement Rule

'Roja' is the feminine form of the color. You must use 'roja' when describing feminine things (like 'casa' or 'flor'), and 'rojo' when describing masculine things (like 'coche' or 'libro').

colorado

/koh-loh-RAH-doh//koloˈɾaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'colorado' when someone's face becomes red specifically due to heat, exertion, or embarrassment (blushing).
A young child with very rosy red cheeks looking shyly at the ground.

Examples

Se puso colorado al recibir el cumplido.

He turned red/blushed upon receiving the compliment.

Se puso colorado cuando ella lo saludó.

He turned red/blushed when she said hi to him.

No me digas esas cosas, que me pongo colorada.

Don't say those things to me, I'm blushing.

Using with 'Ponerse'

To say someone 'blushed,' use the verb 'ponerse' followed by 'colorado.' This describes a temporary change in state.

encendido

en-sen-DEE-doh/ensenˈdiðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'encendido' to describe a face or cheeks that are red from strong emotion, often anger or passion, implying intensity.
Two simplified characters facing each other closely, both having red faces and small plumes of smoke or steam rising from their heads, illustrating an intense, heated argument.

Examples

Sus mejillas estaban encendidas después de la discusión.

His cheeks were flushed/red after the argument.

Tuvieron una discusión muy encendida sobre política.

They had a very heated discussion about politics.

Su rostro estaba encendido por la vergüenza.

Her face was flushed (red) with shame.

Figurative Meaning

Just like a fire can be 'lit,' emotions or arguments can be 'lit up' or 'heated.' This meaning is used for intense feelings or discussions.

Choosing Between 'Colorado' and 'Roja'

Learners often confuse 'roja' and 'colorado' because both can mean 'red'. Remember that 'roja' is a general descriptor for the color red, while 'colorado' specifically implies redness due to exertion, heat, or blushing. Use 'colorado' when the redness is a result of a physical or emotional reaction.

Related Translations

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