Difference Between "oscuridad' and 'oscuro'

Question

Hello! I was wondering what the difference between "oscuridad" and "oscuro". ALso, are the interchangeable. Please give examples if possible! Thanks!

Welcome to SD - ian-hill, Sep 16, 2017

Answer 1

Hola, NKM:

I think you may have made a boo boo here--in logic that is.

There are no regional differences and both are interchangeable.

If one is an adjective meaning "dark" and the other is a noun meaning "darkness," how can they be interchangeable?

Answer 2

They are not interchangeable. Oscuro Is an adjective. Oscuridad is a noun. In English you can use dark both as adjective a d noun.

I love the dark.
I love darkness.
Both could be Amo la oscuridad. ( Noun)

I love dark colores.
Amo los colores oscuros. (Adjective)

Answer 3

Hello!

Oscuro is an adjective with multiple meanings: dark (not illuminated); overcast (cloudy); obscure (little known); uncertain, unclear; shady (sinister, suspicious). Oscuridad is a feminine noun meaning: darkness (lack of light); obscurity (lack of clarity, anonymity). There are no regional differences and are not interchangeable.

Here are links from the span¡shd!ct dictionary page for more information.

• Oscuro
• Oscuridad

Hope this helps.

Regards!

A vote- even though I think you have a problem in your answer. - Daniela2041, Sep 16, 2017

Answer 4

A little "trick" - when a Spanish word ends in "dad" it normally ends in "ity" in English.

One example Ciudad = City.

In your example Dark becomes Darkness