Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bronceado | /bɾonθeˈado/ /bɾonseˈado/ |
masculine |
| tostado | /tosˈtado/ | masculine |
| moreno | /moˈɾeno/ | masculine |
The term for a tan depends on whether you are referring to the result of sun exposure, a person's natural skin tone or a metaphorical description. For the process of tanning itself, the reflexive verb broncearse is used. To express the idiom 'to get a tan,' Spanish speakers often use the phrase ponerse moreno.
What does it mean word for word?
The word tostado literally means 'toasted' and is used metaphorically to describe a tan, similar to how one might describe a person as 'sun-kissed' in English.
Which one should you use?
While all these words relate to darker skin, they are used in different contexts. Tostado is a metaphorical way to describe a sun-kissed look. Moreno is often used to describe a person's natural skin tone, such as being dark-skinned or dark-haired, rather than just a temporary tan from the sun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, particularly in the Caribbean, the term trigueño/a is used to describe someone with a tan or olive skin tone. In Spain and certain Latin American countries, the term curtido/a is used to refer to someone who has developed a tan or is weathered.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the process of becoming tanned due to sun exposure, use the reflexive verb broncearse.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɾonθeˈado/
Did you know?
- The word moreno has a historical connection to the word moro, meaning 'Moor'. It evolved from a term used to describe people from North Africa into a common way to describe someone with dark hair or skin.
- In many parts of Latin America, you might hear the word trigueño to describe a person with a tan or olive complexion. This term is related to the word for 'wheat', suggesting a color similar to grain.
Examples in context
- Él no se pone moreno.He doesn't tan.This sentence shows the use of the idiom to say someone doesn't tan.Tatoeba #456951 by Shishir, translation #454617 by FeuDRenais
- Luces maravilloso con un bronceado.You look marvelous with a tan.This sentence shows how to compliment someone's tan.Tatoeba #9054348 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9054349 by rafaeldejesus8199
- Voy a intentar coger un buen bronceado.I am going to try to get a good tan.This sentence shows the intention to acquire a tan.Tatoeba #861837 by Rafp, translation #60196 by CC
- Tengo un bonito bronceado después de mis vacaciones en la playa.I have a nice tan after my beach vacation.
- Me encanta el color tostado de tu piel.I love the tan shade of your skin.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are talking about her recent vacation at the beach.
- AlejandroTu bronceado es muy bonito.Your tan is very beautiful.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, me encanta el sol.Thanks, Alejandro, I love the sun.
- Alejandro¿Te ha quedado un bronceado uniforme?Did you get an even tan?
- SofíaSí, estoy muy contenta con mi bronceado.Yes, I am very happy with my tan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tan” translations and entries bronceado, tostado, moreno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moreno, tostado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
