persona negra
/peɾsona neɡɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'black person' is translated into Spanish as persona negra.
This phrase is used to describe a person with dark skin, typically of African descent.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of persona (person) and negra (black).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term negro is generally used without negative connotations. In Latin American countries, particularly in the Caribbean, Moreno / Morena is commonly used to refer to someone with a darker complexion.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because persona is a feminine noun, the adjective must also be in the feminine form negra. To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural suffix -s, resulting in personas negras for 'black people'.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾsona neɡɾa/
Did you know?
- The word persona comes from the Latin word for a 'mask' used by actors in ancient theater.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone negro or negra can function as a term of endearment between friends or family, regardless of the person's actual skin color.
- Unlike English, where 'black' is often a neutral descriptor, Spanish speakers may use de color to be more formal or cautious in certain social settings.
Examples in context
- Para desadoptar una frase, haga clic en el icono de la persona negra.To release a sentence, click on the black person icon.This sentence shows how to use the phrase persona negra in the context of an icon description.Tatoeba #4631952 by cueyayotl, translation #4631943 by CK
- Ella es una persona negra.She is a black person.
- Él es una persona negra muy conocida.He is a very well-known black person.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are discussing a character in a book.
- Sofía¿Quién es esa persona negra en la foto?Who is that black person in the photo?
- MateoEs un actor muy famoso.He is a very famous actor.
- SofíaÉl es una persona negra con mucho talento.He is a black person with a lot of talent.
- MateoSí, lo es.Yes, he is.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries persona, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
