Moreno
/moˈɾeno/
In Spanish, Moreno is used to describe a person with dark hair and dark skin.
The term Moreno can refer specifically to a person's hair color, their skin tone or a combination of both. It is often used as the semantic opposite of rubio (blonde) when describing hair or complexion.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its ending to agree with the subject it describes. Use morena for a female subject, morenos for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and morenas for a group consisting only of women.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈɾeno/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, moreno can be used as a gentle or affectionate term for a partner or child regardless of their actual skin tone.
- The word moreno is derived from moro, meaning 'Moor', which traces back to the Ancient Greek word Maûros meaning 'dark'.
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone moreno is considered a neutral or even complimentary physical description rather than a slur.
Examples in context
- Mi hermano es moreno y siempre tiene un bronceado natural.My brother has a brown complexion and always has a natural tan.
- El chico es moreno.The boy is dark-haired and dark-skinned.
- Mi hermano es un hombre moreno.My brother is a dark-skinned man.
- Busco a un actor moreno para el papel.I am looking for a dark-haired actor for the role.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are looking at a photo of a new colleague.
- Javier¿Es él el nuevo compañero?Is he the new colleague?
- LucíaSí, es el chico moreno de la foto.Yes, he is the dark-haired boy in the photo.
- JavierParece una persona muy amable.He seems like a very kind person.
- LucíaCreo que se llevará muy bien con nosotros.I think he will get along very well with us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Moreno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Moreno, moreno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
