blanco
/ˈblanko/
The English phrase 'white' is translated into Spanish as blanco.
The word blanco is the most straightforward and widely understood term for the color that is the opposite of black. Depending on the context, it can also function as a noun meaning a blank space or a white person.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the word must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use blanco for masculine singular nouns, blanca for feminine singular nouns, blancos for masculine plural nouns and blancas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈblanko/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word blanco describes the target in shooting or archery, which is why a 'bullseye' is referred to as the blanco.
- The word blanco is a direct relative of the English word 'blank'. Both originate from an ancient term that described something 'shining' or 'bright' rather than just empty.
- When a Spanish speaker says they have a blanco in their mind, they are describing a mental lapse or a 'blank' rather than the color white.
Examples in context
- Antonio Guzmás Blanco ascendió al poder en Venezuela en 1870.Antonio Guzmán Blanco came to power in Venezuela in 1870.This sentence shows the use of blanco as part of a proper name.Tatoeba #1522665 by marcelostockle, translation #1522480 by erikspen
- El gato es de color blanco.The cat is white.
- Me gusta mucho tu vestido blanco.I really like your white dress.
Example conversation
María and Javier are at a clothing store.
- María¿Te gusta este suéter blanco?Do you like this white sweater?
- JavierSí, es muy bonito, María.Yes, it is very pretty, María.
- María¿Crees que me queda bien?Do you think it looks good on me?
- JavierTe queda muy bien.It looks very good on you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry blanco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blanco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
