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How to Say "flushed" in Spanish

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roja

ROH-hahˈro.xa

adjectiveA1general
Use 'roja' when a face simply turns red, often as a general description of redness without specifying the cause.
A bright red apple depicted in a simple, storybook illustration style.

Examples

Se puso roja por la vergüenza.

She turned red from embarrassment.

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-dohkoloˈɾaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'colorado' specifically when someone's face turns red due to heat, exertion, or blushing from shyness or emotion.
A young child with very rosy red cheeks looking shyly at the ground.

Examples

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.

rosado

roh-SAH-dohroˈsaðo

adjectiveA1general
Use 'rosado' to describe a pinkish or rosy complexion, often due to cold, mild emotion, or a natural skin tone.
A single pink tulip flower standing in a simple vase.

Examples

Sus mejillas estaban rosadas por el frío.

Her cheeks were rosy from the cold.

Tengo una camisa rosada muy bonita.

I have a very pretty pink shirt.

El cielo se puso rosado durante el atardecer.

The sky turned pink during the sunset.

Sus mejillas estaban rosadas por el frío del invierno.

Her cheeks were rosy because of the winter cold.

Matching the Object

Since this word is a descriptor, it must change to match what you are talking about. Use 'rosado' for masculine things (un carro rosado) and 'rosada' for feminine things (una flor rosada).

Plural Forms

If you are describing more than one thing, add an 's'. Use 'rosados' for a group of masculine items and 'rosadas' for feminine items.

Using 'Rosa' vs 'Rosado'

Mistake: “La camisa es rosado.”

Correction: La camisa es rosada. (Or: La camisa es rosa).

encendido

en-sen-DEE-dohensenˈdiðo

adjectiveB2general
Use 'encendido' to describe a face or complexion that is intensely red, often associated with strong emotions like anger or embarrassment, or a heated atmosphere.
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

Su rostro estaba encendido de ira.

His face was flushed with anger.

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 'Roja' and 'Colorado'

Learners often confuse 'roja' and 'colorado'. While both describe redness, 'roja' is a more general term for a red face, whereas 'colorado' is more specific to blushing or redness caused by heat or exercise.

Related Translations

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