Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| negro | /ˈneɡɾo/ | masculine |
| negra | /ˈneɡɾa/ | feminine |
| negrata | /neˈɡɾata/ | derogatory, feminine, masculine |
The word negro translates to 'black' in English.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, negro can function as an adjective meaning the color black or as a noun referring to a black person. The form negra is used when referring to a woman or a feminine noun. The term negrata is a slang term that is used as a derogatory insult toward Black people.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While negro is the standard word for the color black and can be used neutrally, the term negrata is highly offensive slang. For a formal and inclusive way to refer to someone who is Black, you can use the phrase Persona de piel oscura.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a woman or a feminine noun, the form changes to negra.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈneɡɾo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often assume negro is always a racial slur in Spanish. However, it is the standard word for the color black and is used neutrally in many contexts, such as el gato negro (the black cat).
Did you know?
- In many Spanish speaking countries, negro or negrita are used as affectionate nicknames for partners, friends or children, regardless of the person's actual skin tone.
- The phrase está en negro is used to describe a worker who is employed 'off the books' or without a legal contract.
- The Latin root nigrum for negro is also the distant relative of the English word 'night', as both trace back to ancient roots describing darkness.
Examples in context
- "Negro" es una palabra ofensiva."Negro" is an offensive word.Tatoeba #2840525 by marcelostockle, translation #2897140 by megamanenm
- La Decimotercera Enmienda liberó a todos los esclavos negros.The Thirteenth Amendment freed all Negro slaves.Tatoeba #5129220 by albrusgher, translation #807637 by Source_VOA
- El arroz negro sabe a tinta porque está hecho con tinta de calamar.Arroz negro tastes inky because it's made with squid ink.Tatoeba #722335 by Shishir, translation #718015 by papabear
- Ella tiene el cabello negro y la piel morenaShe has black hair and dark skin
- La modelo tiene ojos claros y piel negraThe model has light-colored eyes and black skin
- Mi amigo es negro y tiene el pelo rizadoMy friend is black and has curly hair
- Ella tiene ojos claros, piel morocha y cabello negroShe has light-colored eyes, tan skin, and black hair
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a documentary about history.
- SofíaEl documental trata sobre un hombre negro.The documentary is about a black man.
- Daniel¿Era un hombre negro muy famoso?Was he a very famous black man?
- SofíaSí, era un negro muy respetado.Yes, he was a very respected black man.
- DanielQué interesante parece la historia.The story sounds interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “negro” translations and entries negro, negra, negrata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries negrata, negro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
