Translation guide
The English word "color" can refer to hue, coloring, or complexion. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 色 (iro), but the word is often used in compounds and set phrases. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally.
Referring to a specific color or the general concept of color.
The most common and general word for 'color'. Can be used alone or in compounds.
好きな色は何ですか？
What's your favorite color?
この色、きれいだね。
This color is pretty, isn't it?
A more formal or literary term for 'color', often used in artistic or descriptive contexts.
この絵は色彩が豊かだ。
This painting is rich in color.
Describing the way something is colored, its overall color scheme, or the act of adding color.
Refers to a shade, hue, or tinge of color. Often used for subtle variations.
この布の色合いが気に入った。
I like the coloring of this fabric.
Color scheme or combination of colors, especially in design.
Coloring, as in adding color to something (e.g., food, illustrations). Often used as a noun or suru-verb.
Referring to the color of someone's face, often indicating health or emotion.
Specifically means facial complexion. Commonly used in phrases like '顔色が悪い' (look pale/unwell).
顔色が悪いけど、大丈夫？
You look pale. Are you okay?
彼は顔色一つ変えずに嘘をついた。
He lied without changing color (without flinching).
Complexion in terms of healthy rosiness; often used in '血色がいい' (have a healthy color).
Metaphorical use of 'color' to mean distinctive quality or atmosphere.
Can be used metaphorically, often in compounds like 個性色 (individuality) or phrases like ～色が強い (strongly tinged with).
彼の意見には感情色が強い。
His opinion is strongly colored by emotion.
Distinctive feature or characteristic; literally 'special color'.
The loanword カラー (karā) is used in specific contexts like 'color TV' (カラーテレビ) or 'color contact lenses' (カラーコンタクト), but for general color, use 色 (iro).
To say something is a certain color, you can use the adjective form: 赤い (red), 青い (blue), etc. For colors without an i-adjective, use の: 緑の (green), 紫の (purple).
この部屋の配色は落ち着いている。
The color scheme of this room is calming.
このお菓子は着色料を使っていない。
This candy doesn't use artificial coloring.
今日は血色がいいですね。
You have a good color today (you look healthy).
この地域の特色は何ですか？
What is the local color of this area?