Rojo

/ˈroho/ adjective

Definition

The Spanish word for red, describing the color of blood, fire, or ripe cherries.

Etymology

From Latin rubeus meaning 'red, reddish,' related to ruber (red). The Latin 'b' became 'j' through regular Spanish phonetic evolution, following the pattern seen in many Spanish words derived from Latin.

Kelly Says

Rojo demonstrates a fascinating sound change: Latin's 'b' between vowels regularly became Spanish 'j' (pronounced like 'h'). This same pattern appears in words like 'haber' (to have) from Latin 'habere,' showing how systematic language evolution can be.

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