vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Claro" is a form of "claro", an adjective which is often translated as "clear". "Cómo no" is a phrase which is often translated as "of course". Learn more about the difference between "cómo no" and "claro" below.
cómo no(
koh
-
moh
noh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Cómo no han llamado para decir que llegaban tan tarde?How come you didn't call to say you'd be arriving so late?
Conduciendo así, no sé cómo no tiene un accidente.The way he drives, I don't know how he doesn't have an accident.
3. (colloquial) (used to express disbelief)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. right (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¿Así que tú eres el campeón mundial de karate? Claro, cómo no.So you are the karate world champion? Yeah, right.
claro(
klah
-
roh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (obvious)
a. clear
La explicación no estuvo clara. No tengo idea de cómo contestar esta pregunta.The explanation was not clear. I have no idea how to answer this question.
2. (light)
a. bright
Solo recuerdo que una luz clara rodeó al ángel.I only remember that a bright light surrounded the angel.
3. (color)
a. clear
El agua estaba tan clara que se podían ver las conchas en el fondo.The water was so clear you could see the shells on the bottom.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. clearly
Hablemos claro; mentiste y ahora no quieres admitir tu error.Let's speak clearly; you lied and now you don't want to admit your mistake.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
a. sure
¿Me haces un favor? - ¡Claro! ¿Qué quieres?Will you do me a favor? - Sure! What do you want?
b. of course
¿Vendrás a mi boda? - Claro. ¿Cuándo es?Will you come to my wedding? - Of course. When is it?
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Me prestas $20? - ¡Claro que no! Todavía me debes $50.Can I borrow $20? - No, you can't! You still owe me $50.
Papá, ¿me ayudarás a hacer la tarea de matemáticas esta noche? - ¡Claro que sí!Dad, will you help me with my math homework this evening? - Of course I will!
a. of course
Juan se ha ido. - ¡Claro! Se estaba aburriendo.Juan has left. - Of course! He was bored.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Margarita se negó a hacerlo. Claro que yo en su lugar también me hubiera negado.Margarita refused to do it. Mind you, I would have refused too in her place.
¿Lo haces tú? - Claro, para que si sale mal me eches la culpa a mí.Will you do it? - Oh sure, so you can blame me if it goes wrong.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. clearing
El claro estaba iluminado por faroles que colgaban de los árboles.The clearing was illuminated by lanterns that hung from trees.
