Tener la negra

to have terrible luck; **to have terrible luck**; **to be down on one's luck**; **to have a run of bad luck**; **to have rotten luck**; **to be jinxed** (informal)

Tener la negra means to have terrible luck, to be unlucky, to be down on one's luck, or to have a run of bad luck.

It suggests repeated or persistent misfortune rather than a single unfortunate event.

• suffers one setback after another
• seems unable to catch a break
• repeatedly experiences bad luck
• fails despite making an effort
• has an exceptionally unlucky day or period

The expression comes from the traditional symbolic association of black with misfortune.

For centuries, black has represented mourning, adversity and bad fortune in many European cultures.

From this symbolism arose the colloquial expression tener la negra, meaning to be accompanied by persistent bad luck.

The idiom has no connection with race or ethnicity; its origin is purely symbolic and historical.

Spaniards often use the expression humorously after a series of minor setbacks:

• missing the bus,
• losing their keys,
• having technical problems,
• or seeing everything go wrong on the same day.

It usually refers to temporary bad luck rather than permanent misfortune.

Spanish has several expressions related to luck:

• Tener la negra → to have a run of bad luck.
• Tener buena estrella → to be lucky.
• Nacer con un pan bajo el brazo → to be born lucky.
• Tocar madera → to knock on wood.

Among them, tener la negra is one of the most expressive because it suggests that bad luck follows someone persistently, almost as if it had become their unwelcome companion.

Do not translate the expression literally.

English speakers would never say:

I have the black one.

Instead, use expressions such as:

• I'm having terrible luck.
• I can't catch a break.
• I'm down on my luck.
• I'm having a run of bad luck.
• I'm jinxed. (informal)

Choose the translation according to the tone.