नील
nīla/níː.lɐ/
The Sanskrit word for blue is नील (nīla).
नील is primarily used as an adjective to describe something that is blue-coloured. In certain contexts, it can also function as a noun meaning 'blue' or 'the color blue'.
Meaning: blue-coloured (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term श्याम: is used to describe a dark blackish-blue hue.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective नील must agree in gender with the noun it describes. For example, the neuter form is नीलम्.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is nīla. The syllables are nī-la.
Did you know?
- In ancient Sanskrit texts, नील is often associated with the throat of the god Shiva, who is called नीलकण्ठ meaning 'blue-throated'.
- or glowing quality.
- Sanskrit uses नील not just for color but as a name for the sapphire, one of the most precious gems in traditional Indian astrology.
Examples in context
- नीलकमलम्blue lotus
- नीलः वर्णः अस्ति।nīlaḥ varṇaḥ asti.The color is blue.
- नीलः आकाशः सुन्दरः दृश्यते।nīlaḥ ākāśaḥ sundaraḥ dṛśyate.The blue sky looks beautiful.
Example conversation
Ananya and Vivan are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- अनन्या Ananyaकिं एषः नीलः वर्णः?kiṃ eṣaḥ nīlaḥ varṇaḥ?Is this the blue color?
- विवान Vivaanआम्, एषः नीलः अस्ति।ām, eṣaḥ nīlaḥ asti.Yes, it is blue.
- अनन्या Ananyaविवान, नीलः वर्णः अतीव प्रियः।vivāna, nīlaḥ varṇaḥ atīva priyaḥ.Vivan, the blue color is very lovely.
- विवान Vivaanअनन्या, त्वं सत्यं वदसि।ananyā, tvaṃ satyaṃ vadasi.Ananya, you are telling the truth.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blue” translations and entries नील, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries नील, CC BY-SA 4.0.
