de color
/de koloɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'colorful' can be translated into Spanish as de color. If unsure, use de color. Wiktionary also lists lleno de color.
Meaning: possessing prominent and varied colors (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| de color | /de koloɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| lleno de color | /ʝeno de koloɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
In Spanish, describing something as possessing prominent and varied colors is typically done using the phrase de color.
Which one should you use?
While de colores (the plural form) is the most common way to describe something possessing many colors, the single word colorido is often used to describe something that is visually striking or vibrant due to its colors.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to something that possesses many different colors, the phrase de color is most commonly used in its plural form, de colores.
How do you pronounce it?
/de koloɾ/
Did you know?
- While de colores describes a multicolored object, the phrase bandera de colores is frequently used as a cultural shorthand for the LGBTQ+ pride flag.
- The root of color traces back to the Proto-Indo-European '*ḱel-', which is also the ancestor of words related to 'covering' or 'hiding' something.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling a story colorido implies it is exaggerated or embellished with imaginative details.
Examples in context
- Un globo de colores flota en el cielo.A colorful balloon is floating in the sky.This sentence shows how to use de color to describe a balloon.Tatoeba #10112831 by manufrutos, translation #10109416 by CK
- En esta zona hay muchas casa de colores.There are many colorful houses in this area.This sentence uses de color to describe houses.Tatoeba #10521378 by Seael, translation #10521375 by Hybrid
- A las mujeres les gustan los paraguas de colores.Women like colorful umbrellas.This sentence uses de color to describe umbrellas.Tatoeba #1457853 by marcelostockle, translation #1460033 by piksea
- Ese cuadro es muy vistosoThat painting is very colorful
- El vestido que llevas es muy coloridoThe dress you're wearing is very colorful
- Las flores en el jardín están llenas de coloresThe flowers in the garden are colorful
- Me encanta ese barrio, es muy pintorescoI love that neighborhood, it's very colorful/picturesque
- Compré una bufanda llena de colores y bien chida a un artesano en la Ciudad de México.I bought a vibrant, colorful scarf from an artisan in Mexico City.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- DanielMira este cuadro, es muy de color.Look at this painting, it is very colorful.
- ElenaSí, me encanta que sea tan de color.Yes, I love that it is so colorful.
- Daniel¿Te gustaría comprar algo así para tu casa?Would you like to buy something like that for your house?
- ElenaSí, Daniel, busco una pieza de color.Yes, Daniel, I'm looking for a colorful piece.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “colorful” translations and entries de color, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries color, de, lleno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
