kulay
/ˈkulaj/
The English word 'color' is translated to Tagalog as kulay.
kulay is the most common and versatile term for color in Tagalog.
Meaning: particular set of the visible spectrum (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form of kulay is makulay (colorful), while the progressive verb form nagkukulay is used to describe the act of coloring or dyeing something.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkulaj/
Did you know?
- The ancestor of kulay is related to the Malay word kurai, which refers to the specific strip-markings found on a 'kris' blade.
- The word makulay (colorful) is frequently used to describe a life or a history that is 'eventful' or 'vibrant' rather than just visually bright.
- In traditional Filipino art and textiles, kulay is not just about the pigment but is inextricably linked to the 'pattern' or 'design' of the fabric.
Examples in context
- Pula ang kulay nito.Its color is red.Tatoeba #8635178 by artemio, translation #42863 by CM
- Gusto mo nitong kulay?Do you like this color?Tatoeba #1913325 by nonong, translation #58382 by CK
- Walang kulay ang tubig.Water doesn't have a color.Tatoeba #11378636 by qwertzu, translation #10497512 by shekitten
- Ang kulay ng langit ay blueThe color of the sky is blue
- Ang paborito kong kulay ay dilawMy favorite color is yellow
- Ano ang paborito mong kulay?What is your favorite color?
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Angela and Juan are picking out a new shirt.
- AngelaAnong kulay ang gusto mo, Juan?What color do you want, Juan?
- JuanGusto ko ng asul na kulay.I want the color blue.
- AngelaBagay sa iyo ang kulay na iyan.That color suits you.
- JuanSalamat, Angela.Thank you, Angela.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kulay, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kulay, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
