Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| carmesí | /kaɾmeˈsi/ |
| carmín | /kaɾˈmin/ |
Both terms are used to describe a deep red colour. When used as an adjective, they describe something that possesses a deep red hue, while as nouns, they refer to the specific shade or pigment itself.
Which one should you use?
The distinction between the two words lies in their typical grammatical function: carmesí is primarily used as an adjective to describe a colour, whereas carmín is more frequently used as a noun to refer to the pigment or the colour itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Latin America, the phrase rojo encendido may be used to refer to a vibrant reddish colour similar to crimson.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, carmesí is invariable in gender, so it remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. The adjective can be made plural as carmesíes.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaɾmeˈsi/
Did you know?
- The Arabic root of carmesí refers to the kermes insect, which was historically harvested to create a vivid red dye for textiles.
- While carmín refers to a deep red color, in many Spanish speaking countries it is the common word for 'lipstick'.
- The word carmesí is often associated with romanticism and poetry in Spanish literature, making it sound more evocative and dramatic than the basic word rojo.
Examples in context
- Thoreau codiciaba el robusto tallo morado de esta planta como bastón mientras que los zorzales se comen sus oscuras bayas de jugo carmesí.Thoreau coveted the plant's strong purple stalk for a cane, and the robins eat its dark crimson-juiced berries.This sentence uses carmesí to describe the colour of berry juice.Tatoeba #11686698 by Seael, translation #11686683 by Cangarejo
- La seda brillaba en un hermoso tono carmesí.The silk shone in a beautiful crimson shade.
- Los muebles de la sala estaban decorados con cojines en tonos granate.The living room furniture was decorated with cushions in garnet tones.
- El atardecer tiñó el cielo de un tono bermejo intenso.The sunset stained the sky with an intense crimson hue.
- La modelo llevaba pintadas las uñas de rojo oscuro, casi carmesí.The model had her nails painted in a dark red, almost crimson color.
- Las cortinas del teatro eran de un rojo intenso que recordaba al carmesí.The theater curtains were a deep, intense red reminiscent of crimson.
- El vestido de la reina era un rojo sangre que destacaba en la ceremonia.The queen's dress was a blood-red that stood out in the ceremony.
- El cielo tiene un tono carmesí al atardecer.The sky has a crimson tone at sunset.
- Ella llevaba un vestido de color carmesí muy elegante.She was wearing a very elegant crimson dress.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at a painting in an art gallery.
- Javier¿Te gusta ese color carmesí del cuadro?Do you like that crimson color in the painting?
- ElenaSí, es un tono muy intenso y hermoso.Yes, it is a very intense and beautiful tone.
- JavierParece que el artista usó mucha pintura roja.It looks like the artist used a lot of red paint.
- ElenaEfectivamente, destaca mucho sobre el fondo oscuro.Indeed, it stands out a lot against the dark background.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crimson” translations and entries carmesí, carmín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
