ámbar
/ˈambaɾ/masculine
In Spanish, the word for the colour amber is ámbar.
The word ámbar is a masculine noun used to refer to the colour itself. If you want to describe an object as being of an amber colour, you can use the adjective ambarino or the phrase de color ámbar.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Which one should you use?
You can use the phrase de color ámbar as a common alternative to the adjective ambarino.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ámbar is masculine. When using the alternative descriptive phrase, you use de color ámbar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈambaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word ámbar actually traces its roots back to the Arabic word for 'ambergris', which is a substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales rather than fossilized tree resin.
- In everyday conversation, Spanish speakers rarely use the adjective ambarino because it can sound overly academic or poetic.
- When a Spanish speaker refers to ámbar in a scientific or jewelry context, they are usually talking about the fossilized resin itself rather than the color.
Examples in context
- Señorita Ámbar, ¿puede usted ayudarnos con este asunto?Miss Amber, can you assist us with this matter?
- El anillo tiene un ámbar muy claro.The ring has a very light amber.
- Me gusta el color ámbar de este cristal.I like the amber color of this crystal.
- El gato tiene los ojos de un tono ámbar.The cat has amber-toned eyes.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are looking at paint samples for a room.
- AlejandroMira este color ámbar, María.Look at this amber colour, María.
- MaríaEs muy bonito, pero es oscuro.It's very pretty, but it is dark.
- Alejandro¿Prefieres un amarillo más claro?Do you prefer a lighter yellow?
- MaríaSí, el ámbar es demasiado fuerte.Yes, the amber is too strong.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “amber” translations and entries ámbar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ámbar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
