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How to Say "red" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rojo

RRO-ho (roll the 'R', sound the 'j' like an 'H')/ˈro.xo/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'rojo' when you are generally describing something as the color red, like an object or a piece of clothing.
A vibrant, perfectly ripe red strawberry with green leaves, set against a simple background.

Examples

Compré una bufanda roja para el invierno.

I bought a red scarf for the winter.

Las luces del semáforo estaban rojas, tuvimos que parar.

The traffic lights were red, we had to stop.

Tiene los ojos rojos de tanto frotárselos.

He has red eyes from rubbing them so much.

Mi color favorito es el rojo.

My favorite color is red.

Matching the Ending

'Rojo' changes its ending to match the noun it describes. Use 'rojo' or 'rojos' for masculine words, and 'roja' or 'rojas' for feminine words.

Talking about Colors as Things

When you talk about the color 'red' as a general thing (e.g., 'Red is a beautiful color'), you use the masculine noun form ('el rojo') even if you're comparing it to feminine nouns.

Forgetting the Feminine Form

Mistake: “La flor es rojo.”

Correction: The correct form is 'La flor es roja.' Always make sure the descriptive word ends in -a if the thing is feminine.

rojo

RRO-ho (roll the 'R', sound the 'j' like an 'H')/ˈro.xo/

nounB1general
Use 'rojo' when referring to the color red itself as a concept or a favorite color.
A vibrant, perfectly ripe red strawberry with green leaves, set against a simple background.

Examples

Mi color favorito es el rojo.

My favorite color is red.

Compré una bufanda roja para el invierno.

I bought a red scarf for the winter.

Las luces del semáforo estaban rojas, tuvimos que parar.

The traffic lights were red, we had to stop.

Tiene los ojos rojos de tanto frotárselos.

He has red eyes from rubbing them so much.

Matching the Ending

'Rojo' changes its ending to match the noun it describes. Use 'rojo' or 'rojos' for masculine words, and 'roja' or 'rojas' for feminine words.

Talking about Colors as Things

When you talk about the color 'red' as a general thing (e.g., 'Red is a beautiful color'), you use the masculine noun form ('el rojo') even if you're comparing it to feminine nouns.

Forgetting the Feminine Form

Mistake: “La flor es rojo.”

Correction: The correct form is 'La flor es roja.' Always make sure the descriptive word ends in -a if the thing is feminine.

colorado

/koh-loh-RAH-doh//koloˈɾaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'colorado' when describing something as red, often implying a deeper or more vibrant shade, and be aware it can also mean 'blush' or 'flushed'.
A bright red apple sitting on a simple wooden table.

Examples

Me gusta ese coche colorado.

I like that red car.

El cielo estaba colorado al atardecer.

The sky was reddish at sunset.

Matching the Noun

This word changes its ending based on what you are describing. Use 'colorado' for masculine items (el libro colorado) and 'colorada' for feminine items (la flor colorada).

Choosing between 'Rojo' and 'Colorado'

Mistake: “Using 'rojo' exclusively for every situation.”

Correction: While both mean red, 'colorado' is more frequent when talking about blushing or specific shades in nature. In Mexico and Argentina, 'colorado' is very common for hair or general red objects.

Choosing Between Rojo and Colorado

The most common mistake is using 'colorado' when 'rojo' is expected. While 'colorado' can mean red, it's often regional or implies a specific shade. Stick to 'rojo' for general descriptions of the color red to avoid confusion.

Related Translations

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