色
iro[iɾo̞]
The English word 'color' is translated into Japanese as 色 (iro). Wiktionary also lists 色彩 (shikisai).
Meaning: particular set of the visible spectrum (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 色 | iro | [iɾo̞] (narrow) [iɾo̞e̞] (narrow) |
| 色彩 | shikisai | [ɕikʲisa̠i] (narrow) |
The term refers to a particular set of the visible spectrum. You may also use the related adjective カラーの to mean 'conveying color'.
Which one should you use?
色 is a form for color, while 色彩 is another way to express the concept. Additionally, the verb 染める can be used to mean 'become red through increased blood flow'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
iro
Did you know?
- While 'color' is the primary meaning, the word 色 can also be used to refer to a person's sexual desire or even a physical affair.
- In a Buddhist context, 色 (shiki) refers to 'form' or 'matter' rather than just 'color', acting as a translation for the Sanskrit word 'rūpa'.
Examples in context
- 色を選んで。Pick a color.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to pick a color with 色.Tatoeba #9930183 by small_snow, translation #7135258 by OsoHombre
- この色はどう？How about this color?This sentence is useful for asking for an opinion on a color with 色.Tatoeba #10778218 by small_snow, translation #10196850 by DJ_Saidez
- 風って、何色？What color is the wind?This sentence is useful for asking about a color with 色.Tatoeba #11825726 by small_snow, translation #11817448 by ddnktr
- 私の好きな色はピンク色です。My favorite color is pink.
- 彼女は黒色のドレスを着ていました。She was wearing a black dress.
- 99 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiroto and Misaki are shopping for a new t-shirt.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲、この服の色は好き？Misaki, kono fuku no iro wa suki?Misaki, do you like the color of these clothes?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、すごくいい色だと思うよ。Un, sugoku ii iro da to omou yo.Yes, I think it's a very nice color.
- 大翔 Hirotoじゃあ、これを買おうかな。Jaa, kore o kaou kana.Then, maybe I'll buy this one.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔に似合う色だと思うよ。Hiroto ni niau iro da to omou yo.I think it's a color that suits you, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “color” translations and entries 色, 色彩, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 色, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
