terciopelo negro
/teɾθjopelo neɡɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase black velvet is translated into Spanish as terciopelo negro.
This phrase refers to a type of fabric characterized by a soft, short pile that is black in color.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the adjective negro (black) follows the noun terciopelo (velvet). To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural suffix '-s', resulting in terciopelos negros.
How do you pronounce it?
/teɾθjopelo neɡɾo/
Did you know?
- The word terciopelo literally translates to 'third hair' because it is a compound of tercio, meaning 'third', and pelo, meaning 'hair'.
- While terciopelo negro describes the fabric, calling someone's voice de terciopelo is a specific romantic compliment in some Spanish-speaking cultures.
- The root of terciopelo traces back to the Latin tertius, which is the same root used for the English word 'third'.
Examples in context
- El vestido es de terciopelo negro.The dress is made of black velvet.
- Me gusta mucho el terciopelo negro.I really like black velvet.
- Necesito comprar un poco de terciopelo negro.I need to buy some black velvet.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are looking at fabric samples in a store.
- Sofía¿Te gusta este terciopelo negro, Javier?Do you like this black velvet, Javier?
- JavierSí, es muy elegante para tu vestido.Yes, it is very elegant for your dress.
- SofíaCreo que el terciopelo negro es perfecto.I think black velvet is perfect.
- JavierEntonces, vamos a comprarlo ahora.Then, let's buy it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries negro, terciopelo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
