Lael logo

oscuro means dark — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: October 8, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

oscuro

adjective • /[os-KOO-roh]/

dark

Example:

El cuarto está oscuro.

The room is dark.

🔍 See more mexican slang words

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store

🧠 What does oscuro mean?

While 'oscuro' literally translates to 'dark' and can be used that way, in Mexican slang, it takes on a more nuanced meaning. It often describes something shady, secretive, illicit, or even dangerous. Think of it as describing something that happens 'under the table' or 'in the shadows.' It can refer to people, places, or situations. For example, you might hear someone talk about an 'asunto oscuro' (a shady deal) or a 'negocio oscuro' (a shady business).

📚 Extra examples

  • Ese tipo es muy oscuro, no me fío de él.
    That guy is really shady, I don't trust him.
  • El bar tenía un ambiente oscuro y peligroso.
    The bar had a dark and dangerous atmosphere.
  • Todo el asunto es muy oscuro, no me gusta nada.
    The whole affair is very shady, I don't like it at all.
  • Andaban en negocios oscuros.
    They were involved in shady business dealings.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'dark' in Spanish?
The most common translation of 'dark' is 'oscuro.' However, depending on the context, you might also use words like 'negro' (black), 'sombrio' (gloomy), or 'tenebroso' (shadowy/sinister).
How do you pronounce 'oscuro' in Spanish?
It's pronounced ohs-KOO-roh, with the stress on the second syllable.
How do you use 'oscuro' in a sentence?
In its literal sense: 'El cuarto está oscuro' (The room is dark). In its slang sense: 'Ese tipo tiene negocios oscuros' (That guy has shady dealings).
What is the English translation of 'oscuro'?
The most common translation is 'dark.' However, in Mexican slang, it can mean 'shady,' 'secretive,' 'illicit,' or 'dangerous.'
Does 'oscuro' change for gender or number?
Yes, it does. For feminine nouns, use 'oscura' (e.g., 'la noche oscura' - the dark night). For plural nouns, use 'oscuros' (masculine) or 'oscuras' (feminine).
Is 'oscuro' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, both its literal and slang meanings are relatively common, especially in Mexico.
Does 'oscuro' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, as mentioned, in Mexican slang, it can mean 'shady,' 'secretive,' 'illicit,' or 'dangerous.'
Is 'oscuro' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While the literal meaning is understood across the Spanish-speaking world, the slang meaning is more prevalent in Mexico than in Spain.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "oscuro"

Synonyms: sombrio, tenebroso, turbio, sospechoso
Opposites: claro, brillante, luminoso

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'oscuro' comes from the Latin word 'obscurus,' which also means 'dark' or 'hidden.'

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store