alguien es negro
/alɡjen es neɡɾo/from spelling rules
To say 'someone is black' in Spanish, use alguien es negro.
This phrase is used to describe a person who has dark skin.
Which one should you use?
While alguien es negro is a standard way to express this, it can sometimes be perceived as very blunt or even offensive depending on the context. For a softer alternative used to describe someone with dark hair or dark skin, you can say alguien es moreno. To be more descriptive and avoid potential offense, you can also use the phrase alguien es de piel negra, which means 'someone is of black skin'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cuban Spanish, the term mulato/a is used to describe individuals of mixed African and European ancestry.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the person being referred to is female, the adjective must change from negro to negra, so use alguien es negra.
How do you pronounce it?
/alɡjen es neɡɾo/
Did you know?
- While negro describes a race, in many Spanish-speaking cultures, the terms negro or negrita are used as romantic pet names regardless of the person's actual skin tone.
- In some Spanish-speaking Caribbean contexts, adding the diminutive suffix '-ito' to create negrito can transform a descriptor into a very affectionate nickname for a child or a loved one.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling someone el negro or la negra as a nickname is a sign of affection, but it can be a social mistake for foreigners to use it.
Examples in context
- Juan es una persona de raza negra.Juan is a person of black race.
- María es afrodescendiente.María is of African descent.
- Si alguien es negro, lo reconocerás.If someone is black, you will recognize them.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a new colleague.
- AlejandroCreo que alguien es negro en la oficina nueva.I think someone is black in the new office.
- ElenaSí, vi a un hombre nuevo ayer.Yes, I saw a new man yesterday.
- Alejandro¿Él es el nuevo gerente?Is he the new manager?
- ElenaNo, él es el ingeniero.No, he is the engineer.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
