decoloración
/dekoloɾaˈθjon/
In Spanish, color fading is decoloración.
The term decoloración is commonly used in technical contexts such as textile manufacturing, hair care and chemistry to describe the loss of pigment. To express the idea of color fading through an action, you can use the expression ir perdiendo color (gradually losing color). If you want to describe something that is already faded, use the adjective descolorido or if the color is dull, use apagado.
What does it mean word for word?
The word decoloración is formed from the prefix de- (removal/undoing), the root color (color) and the suffix -ación (the process of).
Which one should you use?
While decoloración refers to the process of losing color, decolorante refers to the agent or substance that causes the fading (a bleach or color remover).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the expression deslavado might be used to describe faded colors.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun decoloración is feminine, so if you use an adjective to describe it, the adjective must also be feminine, such as decoloración intensa (intense fading).
How do you pronounce it?
/dekoloɾaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word apagado for a faded color literally translates to 'extinguished' or 'turned off'. It suggests that a dull color has lost its 'light' or 'spark'.
- In Mexico, the word deslavado is used for faded colors, which literally means 'washed out'. This frames the fading of a color as a result of too much washing rather than just a loss of pigment.
- Spanish distinguishes between descolorido (faded) and apagado (dull). The first implies a loss of the original hue, while the second implies a loss of brightness or intensity.
Examples in context
- El desvanecimiento del color en la fotografía puede ocurrir con el tiempo debido a la exposición a la luz solar.Color fading in photography can occur over time due to exposure to sunlight.
- La pérdida gradual de color en esta pintura antigua es evidente debido a su exposición continua al ambiente.The gradual loss of color in this antique painting is evident due to its continuous exposure to the environment.
- La decoloración de la ropa es un problema.The color fading of clothes is a problem.
- Evita el sol para prevenir la decoloración.Avoid the sun to prevent color fading.
- Esta tela tiene una decoloración muy notable.This fabric has a very noticeable color fading.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are looking at a piece of clothing.
- DanielMira la decoloración de este pantalón.Look at the color fading on these pants.
- SofíaEs verdad, el color ya no es brillante.It's true, the color isn't bright anymore.
- Daniel¿Crees que es por el lavado?Do you think it's because of the washing?
- SofíaSí, debe ser por eso, Daniel.Yes, it must be because of that, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry decoloración, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
