mono negro
/mono neɡɾo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "black monkey" is mono negro.
This phrase is used to describe a monkey characterized by having black fur.
Which one should you use?
While the standard way to say it is mono negro, you may occasionally encounter the inverted form negro mono. Placing the adjective before the noun is grammatically possible, but it shifts the nuance to a more poetic or descriptive tone regarding an inherent quality.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe multiple black monkeys, you use the masculine plural monos negros. If you are specifically referring to female monkeys, you use the feminine plural monas negras. When forming these phrases, do not mix masculine and feminine endings, such as monos negras, as this is incorrect.
How do you pronounce it?
/mono neɡɾo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid mixing masculine and feminine endings in a single phrase, such as saying monos negras, as this is grammatically incorrect.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, mono can refer to a 'craving' or the physical symptoms of withdrawal, especially from drugs.
- While mono negro describes the animal, the word mono is also the Spanish term for a 'jumpsuit' or 'overalls'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the word mono can also mean 'cute' or 'lovely', which could lead to a very different mental image than a literal animal.
Examples in context
- ¿Has visto el mono negro en el zoológico?Have you seen the black monkey at the zoo?
- Aquí hay un dibujo de un mono negro.Here is a drawing of a black monkey.
- Vi un mono negro en la selva.I saw a black monkey in the jungle.
- El mono negro salta entre los árboles.The black monkey jumps among the trees.
- Ese mono negro es muy pequeño.That black monkey is very small.
Example conversation
At a zoo in front of a primate enclosure.
- Lucía¿Viste al mono negro de allí?Did you see that black monkey over there?
- AlejandroSí, el mono negro es muy bonito.Yes, the black monkey is very pretty.
- LucíaParece que tiene mucha hambre.It looks like he is very hungry.
- AlejandroEs verdad, está comiendo bananas.It's true, he is eating bananas.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
