blanco y negro
/blanko i neɡɾo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for the English adjective 'black and white' is blanco y negro.
While it can describe literal colors, it is often used figuratively to mean 'clear-cut' or 'absolute', mirroring the way it is used in English to describe situations that are not complex or nuanced.
Meaning: clear cut (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈblanko i ˈneɡɾo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word blanco can also mean 'target', as in a bullseye or a mark for shooting.
- While blanco y negro describes a clear-cut situation, Spanish speakers use the phrase en blanco to describe a sudden memory lapse or a mental block.
- The word blanco is a distant relative of the English word 'blank', as both descend from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'bright' or 'shining'.
Examples in context
- No todo es blanco y negro.Not everything is black and white.This sentence is useful for expressing that not everything is clear-cut.Tatoeba #1600845 by marcelostockle, translation #1552235 by Spamster
- Tenemos un perro blanco y negro.We have a black and white dog.This sentence uses the phrase to describe the colors of a dog.Tatoeba #729417 by Shishir, translation #282598 by CK
- Los perros ven en blanco y negro.Dogs see in black and white.This sentence describes the ability to see in black and white.Tatoeba #1080494 by hayastan, translation #239194 by CK
- El vestido es blanco y negro.The dress is black and white.
- La foto está en blanco y negro.The photo is in black and white.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing a complicated political issue.
- MateoLa situación no es blanco y negro.The situation is not black and white.
- MaríaTienes razón, Mateo, hay muchos matices.You are right, Mateo, there are many nuances.
- MateoEs un problema muy complejo.It is a very complex problem.
- MaríaNo podemos verlo de forma tan simple.We cannot see it in such a simple way.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blanco, negro, y, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
