màu sắc
[maw˨˩ sak̚˧˦]
The English phrase "colors" is translated into Vietnamese as màu sắc.
The term màu sắc is used to refer to colors. For specific descriptions, you can use màu sặc sỡ for "vivid colors" or màu nhợt nhạt for "pale colors".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Vietnam, the color black (normally đen) is sometimes referred to as mực or huyền.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Vietnamese, màu sắc is used for both the singular "color" and the plural "colors". In casual speech, the word màu is often used alone to mean "color" instead of the full term màu sắc.
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese culture, specific 'colors' are associated with the five elements of nature, which influences how màu sắc is discussed in philosophy.
- While màu sắc is the standard term, the word sắc on its own can also refer to the 'sharpness' of a blade or a keenness of sense.
- In Vietnamese, the word sắc can refer to both 'color' and 'beauty'.
Examples in context
- Tôi thích chiếc áo đỏ của bạn.I like your red shirt.
- Tôi thích các màu sắc rực rỡ.I like bright colors.
- Những màu sắc này rất đẹp.These colors are very beautiful.
- Bạn có thích màu sắc của bức tranh không?Do you like the colors of the painting?
Example conversation
Nam and Hương are shopping for a new sofa.
- NamHương, em thích màu sắc nào hơn?Hương, which colors do you prefer?
- HươngEm thích những màu sắc trung tính.I like neutral colors.
- NamAnh thấy màu xám là ổn nhất.I think grey is the best.
- HươngEm đồng ý, chọn màu đó đi anh.I agree, let's choose that color.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry màu sắc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
