nero
/ˈne.ro/
The Italian word for black is nero.
nero is used as an adjective to describe things that are absorbing all light. It can also function as a noun to refer to the color black itself. When referring to a person with dark skin, both nero and its feminine form nera may be used.
Meaning: absorbing all light (adj)
Which one should you use?
When used as a noun to mean 'the color black', the word is nero.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, nero must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use nera for feminine singular nouns, neri for masculine plural nouns and nere for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈne.ro/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- To describe someone who is very angry, Italians use the phrase essere nero, which translates to 'to be black'.
- The phrase mercato nero refers to the black market, but nero can also refer to illegal, undeclared employment or 'under the table' payments.
- In the context of Italian weather, cielo nero often implies a heavy, ominous storm is imminent, carrying a sense of dread.
Examples in context
- Il nero è mio.The black one is mine.This sentence is useful for demonstrating the use of nero as a noun.Tatoeba #1005077 by Guybrush88, translation #823527 by sacredceltic
- È un buco nero.It is a black hole.This sentence shows how to use nero in the phrase 'black hole'.Tatoeba #3237891 by Guybrush88, translation #1479375 by AsliAbbasi
- Il gatto è nero.The cat is black.This sentence illustrates how to use nero as an adjective describing a cat.Tatoeba #1107279 by Guybrush88, translation #1107280 by CK
- La tua cravatta è molto elegante. È nera.Your tie is very elegant. It's black.
- Ho comprato una maglietta nera super cool oggi.I bought a super cool black t-shirt today.
- Ciao! Mi piace la tua nuova borsa neretta.Hi! I like your new little black bag.
- 370 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are choosing a new sofa for their living room.
- AlessandroPreferisci il divano grigio o quello nero?Do you prefer the gray sofa or the black one?
- MartinaPenso che il nero sia troppo scuro.I think black is too dark.
- AlessandroMa il nero si abbina a tutto.But black matches everything.
- MartinaHai ragione, prendiamo quello nero.You are right, let's get the black one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “black” translations and entries nero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
