negro azabache
/neɡɾo aθabat͡ʃe/from spelling rules
The English phrase jet black is translated into Spanish as negro azabache.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of negro (black) and azabache (jet, a type of black gemstone).
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective phrase, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, cabello negro azabache (jet black hair) or ojos negros azabache (jet black eyes).
How do you pronounce it?
/neɡɾo aθabatʃe/
Did you know?
- In Spanish culture, it is a common superstition to give a small piece of azabache to newborns to protect them from the 'evil eye'.
- The word azabache traces its roots back to the Old Persian word for a specific type of stone, traveling through Arabic and Andalusian dialects before reaching Spanish.
- In Spanish, azabache can be used as a standalone adjective in poetic contexts to evoke an intense, glossy darkness without using the word negro.
Examples in context
- Mi traje de noche es de un negro azabache, elegante y sofisticado.My evening gown is jet black, elegant, and sophisticated.
- Pinté mi habitación de un color negro intenso, es como una cueva de oscuridad.I painted my room a jet black color. It's like a cave of darkness.
- Las cortinas de mi habitación son de un tono de negro noche, ideal para dormir profundamente.The curtains in my room are of a jet black shade, perfect for sleeping deeply.
- Ella tiene el cabello negro azabache.She has jet black hair.
- Ese vestido es de un color negro azabache.That dress is a jet black color.
- Compré un coche negro azabache.I bought a jet black car.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking about a new car.
- LucíaMira ese coche, es negro azabache.Look at that car, it is jet black.
- MateoEs verdad, se ve muy elegante.It's true, it looks very elegant.
- LucíaEl color negro azabache es mi favorito.Jet black is my favorite color.
- MateoA mí también me gusta mucho.I like it a lot too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries azabache, negro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
