el negro
/el neɡɾo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "the black one" is expressed as el negro.
This phrase is used to identify a specific object or person by its black color. When used without an accompanying noun, el negro can function as a substantive, meaning it can refer to both "the black one" (an object) and the color black itself.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, where "one" is a separate word, in Spanish the gendered article and the adjective negro together perform the function of "the black one".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must change its gender to match the noun it replaces: use la negra for feminine nouns and el negro for masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/el neɡɾo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, el negro or negrito is used as an affectionate nickname for friends or partners, regardless of their actual skin tone.
- The article el in this phrase comes from the Latin word 'ille', which meant 'that one', showing how the phrase evolved to point specifically at a target.
Examples in context
- Prefiero el negro.I prefer the black one.This sentence shows how to express a preference for el negro.Tatoeba #1812409 by marcelostockle, translation #724552 by CM
- El negro es mío.The black one is mine.This sentence is useful for stating ownership of el negro.Tatoeba #850419 by Warnerbroder, translation #823527 by sacredceltic
- El vestido que más me gusta es el negro.The dress I like most is the black one.This sentence demonstrates how el negro refers back to a feminine noun like a dress.Tatoeba #462687 by lukaszpp, translation #955899 by GeeZ
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are choosing a new notebook at a store.
- Elena¿Cuál quieres, Mateo?Which one do you want, Mateo?
- MateoQuiero el negro, por favor.I want the black one, please.
- ElenaEstá bien, yo llevaré el azul.That's fine, I will take the blue one.
- MateoGracias, Elena.Thank you, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, negro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
