rosa
/ˈrosa/feminine
The Spanish word for rose is rosa.
rosa refers to the flower. In a formal context, the term rosa de los vientos is used to refer to the compass rose found on maps. Additionally, rosal is an alternative term used in certain areas of Spain and Latin America to mean a rose plant or rosebush.
Meaning: flower (noun)
Which one should you use?
When describing colors, rosa can mean the color pink, but the adjective rosado is often used to describe things that have a pinkish hue. Additionally, when the word is used as a female given name, it is written as Rosa.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, particularly in the central and southern states, rosa de Castilla is a common way to refer to a rose.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, rosa must be preceded by feminine articles such as la or una. The plural form of rosa is rosas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrosa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish culture, giving a yellow rosa can signify friendship, but in some contexts, it can also symbolize infidelity or jealousy.
- The word rosa comes from Latin rosa, which was a semi-learned borrowing rather than a natural evolution from the spoken language.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the phrase ver la vida en rosa is used to describe someone who is overly optimistic, similar to 'seeing the world through rose-colored glasses'.
Examples in context
- La rosa es rosa.The rose is pink.This sentence shows the word rosa being used to describe a color.Tatoeba #1170926 by marcelostockle, translation #1417588 by marcelostockle
- Esta rosa es bonita.This rose is beautiful.This sentence uses rosa to describe a beautiful flower.Tatoeba #617828 by Shishir, translation #56428 by CK
- Una rosa huele bien.A rose smells sweet.This sentence uses rosa to describe a pleasant scent.Tatoeba #831178 by LugoIlmer, translation #35076 by CM
- Me encanta el color de las rosas.I love the color of roses.
- Compré una linda rosita para mi mamá.I bought a beautiful little rose for my mom.
- Este rosal tiene flores muy hermosas.This rosebush has beautiful flowers.
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro gives a flower to Lucía in a park.
- Lucía¿Qué es esto, Alejandro?What is this, Alejandro?
- AlejandroEs una rosa para ti, Lucía.It is a rose for you, Lucía.
- Lucía¡Qué rosa tan hermosa!What a beautiful rose!
- AlejandroMe alegra que te guste.I am glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rose” translations and entries rosa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rosa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
