claro
Lemma Details
Translation: clear; bright; light; obvious; of course; certainly
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'clarus' meaning 'clear, bright, distinct'. This same Latin root gave English words like 'clarity', 'clarify', 'declare', and 'clarinet'. The semantic evolution from 'bright, shining' to 'understandable, obvious' parallels similar developments in many languages where visual clarity metaphorically extends to intellectual comprehension.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El agua del lago es muy clara.
The lake water is very clear.
Tienes que explicarlo de forma más clara.
You need to explain it more clearly.
¿Me puedes ayudar? Claro, con mucho gusto.
Can you help me? Of course, with pleasure.
Prefiero los colores claros para la habitación.
I prefer light colors for the room.
Es un ejemplo claro de lo que no se debe hacer.
It's a clear example of what not to do.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'clarity' in English - both words share the same root and similar meaning.
- Imagine a 'clear' sky - 'un cielo claro'.
- When someone says something obvious, respond with 'claro' (of course).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish conversation, 'claro' is frequently used as a standalone response meaning 'of course' or 'certainly', similar to how English speakers might say 'sure' or 'absolutely'. It's one of the most versatile and common words in everyday Spanish, used both as an adjective and as a conversational affirmation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Claro' means 'clear' or 'of course', while 'caro' means 'expensive' or 'dear'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: Both are common adjectives in everyday Spanish, so it's important to distinguish between them.
Mnemonic: 'Claro' has an 'l' like 'clear', while 'caro' without the 'l' is like 'cost' (expensive).
Explanation: 'Claro' means 'clear' or 'of course', while 'raro' means 'strange' or 'rare'. They rhyme but have different meanings and spellings.
Confused word:
Su comportamiento es muy raro.
His behavior is very strange.
Notes: Both words end in '-aro' but have completely different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Raro' starts with 'r' like 'rare' in English.