desnudo
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “desnudo” mean in English?
naked, bare — without covering; also fig. stark and unembellished
naked, bare — without covering; also fig. stark and unembellished (realidad desnuda, verdad desnuda)
Example sentences
La realidad desnuda de las estadísticas de pobreza contradice el optimismo con el que el gobierno presenta sus resultados.
The stark reality of the poverty statistics contradicts the optimism with which the government presents its results.
El ojo desnudo no puede distinguir las diferencias entre los dos materiales; se requiere un microscopio de alta resolución.
The naked eye cannot distinguish the differences between the two materials; a high-resolution microscope is required.
How to use it
Desnudo/a means 'naked, bare' — without covering; figuratively: stark, unembellished. Common collocations: realidad desnuda, verdad desnuda, hecho desnudo, paisaje desnudo. Ser/estar: estar for the physical state ('está desnudo'); ser for a figurative characterisation ('la realidad desnuda es que...'). Register: the figurative use is formal and literary.
Common mistake
Desnudo ≠ vacío: desnudo implies stripped of covering or ornamentation (stark, bare); vacío means empty. 'Una habitación desnuda' = an unfurnished, bare room; 'una habitación vacía' = an empty room.