eres negro
/eɾes neɡɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you black" can be translated into Spanish as eres negro.
A statement used to tell someone that their skin color is black.
Which one should you use?
While eres negro functions as a descriptive statement of identity, it is not a direct command. Other forms change based on the subject and gender: es negro refers to a third person (he) or a formal 'you', while son negros refers to a group (they or you all).
How does it change in a sentence?
If the person being addressed is female, use eres negra. If you are referring to a group of people, use son negros.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾes neɡɾo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone negro or negrito can be used as an affectionate nickname between friends or family, regardless of the person's actual skin tone.
- The verb eres is actually a linguistic relic from the future tense of Latin, meaning 'you will be', which eventually replaced the standard 'you are' in modern Spanish.
- While negro refers to the color black, Spanish speakers often use the word moreno to describe anyone with dark hair or tanned skin to avoid the stronger connotations of negro.
Examples in context
- Me compré una chaqueta negra.I bought a black jacket.
- Las cortinas son negras.The curtains are black.
- Mis amigos son negros.My friends are black.
- Ella es una mujer prieta.She is a dark-skinned woman.
- Tú eres negro.You are black.
- Sé que eres negro.I know that you are black.
- Es evidente que eres negro.It is evident that you are black.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing their family heritage.
- JavierMi abuelo era de África.My grandfather was from Africa.
- SofíaPor eso tú eres negro, Javier.That is why you are black, Javier.
- JavierSí, es una parte importante de mí.Yes, it is an important part of me.
- SofíaEs una herencia muy bonita.It is a very beautiful heritage.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eres, negro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
