Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| blu | /ˈblu/ |
| azzurro | /adˈd͡zur.ro/ |
Both blu and azzurro are used to describe the color blue and can also function as nouns to mean the color itself.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two forms is based on shade. blu is used for a standard blue or for darker and more saturated shades. In contrast, azzurro is specifically reserved for a bright, light blue, such as the color of a clear sky.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective blu is invariable, which means it does not change its ending to match gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈblu/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use Turchese to mean a general blue, as Turchese specifically refers to the color turquoise.
When do people say it?
The color azzurro is the national color of Italy and is frequently used when referring to the national sports teams, known as the Azzurri.
Did you know?
- The word blu comes from a Proto-Germanic root that originally described a 'yellowish-gray' or 'pallid' color.
Examples in context
- Il mare è blu.The sea is blue.This sentence shows the use of blu to describe the sea.Tatoeba #2698938 by Guybrush88, translation #2396999 by Hayabusa
- Il lago è blu.The lake is blue.This sentence shows the use of blu to describe a lake.Tatoeba #14028481 by Guybrush88, translation #5318968 by honeygod
- Il cielo è blu.The sky is blue.This sentence shows the use of blu to describe the sky.Tatoeba #386850 by Pharamp, translation #18275 by CK
- La macchina è di un blu intensoThe car is a deep blue
- La giacca è di un blu scuroThe jacket is a dark blue
- Il libro è di un blu luminosoThe book is a bright blue
- Il mare oggi è di un azzurro stupendoThe sea today is a stunning blue
- Ho comprato una maglietta celesteI bought a light blue t-shirt
- Ho dipinto la parete della mia camera di un turchese brillanteI painted the wall of my room a brilliant turquoise
- Mi piace indossare vestiti azzurri durante l'estate.I like to wear blue clothes during the summer.
- 452 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are looking at clothes in a shop.
- FrancescoTi piace questa camicia blu?Do you like this blue shirt?
- SofiaSì, è molto bella.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- FrancescoAllora la prendo per te.Then I will get it for you.
- SofiaGrazie, sei molto gentile.Thank you, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blue” translations and entries blu, azzurro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries azzurro, blu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
