lista negra
/lista neɡɾa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "hit list" translates to Spanish as lista negra.
Which one should you use?
While 'hit list' in English can imply a list of targets for assassination, lista negra is more commonly used in Spanish to mean a blacklist of people or things that are banned, excluded or under suspicion.
How do you pronounce it?
/lista neɡɾa/
Did you know?
- To remove someone from a lista negra, a Spanish speaker might say blanquear the name, which literally means 'to bleach' or 'to whiten'.
- The Spanish word lista can also mean 'clever' or 'smart' when used as an adjective, which can create a playful pun if someone is on a 'smart list'.
- Spanish uses the color negra to denote exclusion or prohibition, similar to English, but the phrase en negro can also describe working 'off the books' without a legal contract.
Examples in context
- Se rumorea que el jefe de la pandilla tiene una lista de personas a eliminar.Rumor has it that the gang leader has a hit list.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are talking about a difficult boss at work.
- Lucía¿Sabes si el jefe tiene una lista negra?Do you know if the boss has a hit list?
- JavierSí, y creo que tú estás en ella.Yes, and I think you are on it.
- Lucía¡No me digas eso, Javier!Don't tell me that, Javier!
- JavierEs broma, no te preocupes tanto.It's a joke, don't worry so much.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
