claro
/ˈklaɾo/
In Spanish, claro is an expression used to say "of course" or to indicate that something is obvious.
You can use claro to agree with someone or to translate it as "clear". Other ways to express agreement or certainty include the synonyms desde luego, ciertamente and indudablemente.
What does it mean word for word?
The word claro literally means "clear", such as something being light or transparent.
Which one should you use?
While claro serves as a simple agreement, you can use claro que sí to say "of course" or "definitely yes" more emphatically. To say "of course not" or "certainly not", use the phrase claro que no. Additionally, the construction claro que… followed by a clause is used to mean "it is clear that…" or "clearly…".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈklaɾo/
Did you know?
- While claro is used for agreement, repeating it rapidly as claro, claro, claro can actually signal that the listener is becoming impatient and wants the speaker to hurry up.
- The word claro is a linguistic outlier because it kept the original Latin 'cl-' sound, whereas most other words from that same root evolved into a 'll-' sound in Spanish.
- Beyond its use as an adjective or exclamation, claro can be a noun referring to a 'clearing' in a forest.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedo contar con su asistencia mañana? – Por supuesto, estaré allí.Can I rely on your assistance tomorrow? – Of course, I'll be there.
- ¿Vamos al cine esta tarde? – ¡Claro que sí, me encantaría!Are we going to the movies this afternoon? – Of course, I'd love to!
- ¿Me puedes ayudar con este proyecto? – Por supuesto que sí, cuenta conmigo.Can you help me with this project? – Of course, you can count on me.
- Habló muy claro en su presentación.He spoke very clearly in his presentation.
- Claro, yo te ayudo con eso.Of course, I will help you with that.
- Es un error muy claro.It is a very obvious error.
- ¡Claro que sí!Of course!
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing plans for the weekend.
- MateoSofía, ¿puedes pasar por el supermercado?Sofía, can you stop by the supermarket?
- SofíaClaro, no hay problema.Of course, no problem.
- MateoGracias, necesito leche y pan.Thanks, I need milk and bread.
- SofíaEstá bien, Mateo. Lo compro todo.All right, Mateo. I'll buy it all.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry claro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries claro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
