シアン
shian[ɕiã̠ɴ]
The English phrase "cyan" can be translated into Japanese as シアン (shian). If unsure, use シアン. Wiktionary also lists 水色 (mizu-iro) and 青緑色 (aomidori-iro).
Meaning: a colour between blue and green (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| シアン | shian | [ɕiã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
| 水色 | mizu-iro | [mʲizɨiɾo̞] (narrow) |
| 青緑色 | aomidori-iro |
Cyan refers to a colour between blue and green. You can use the adjective form シアン色の to describe something as being of the colour cyan.
Which one should you use?
The term シアン refers specifically to the technical color cyan used in printing (CMYK). In contrast, 水色 is a more common, everyday term for a light blue or pale cyan-like color. Additionally, while 水色 leans more towards a pale, light blue, 青緑色 is used to describe a color that is a mix of blue and green.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
shian
Did you know?
- In Japanese traffic signals, the light that English speakers call 'green' is often referred to as 青 (ao), linking the concept of cyan and blue to a green light.
- The word シアン is a loanword from Dutch, specifically the word 'cyaan'. This reflects the historical influence of Dutch-language scientific and technical terms in Japan during the late 19th century.
- While 水色 translates literally to 'water color', it does not refer to the medium of watercolors. It is the standard way to describe a pale, refreshing blue, like the color of clear water in a stream.
Examples in context
- 彼女のドレスはシアン色でした。Her dress was cyan.
- こんなに青緑の海を見たのは初めてです。I've never seen such a cyan-colored sea before.
- あの絵に使われている納戸色がとても美しいですね。The Nando-iro used in that painting is very beautiful, isn't it?
- このペンはシアン色です。Kono pen wa shian iro desu.This pen is cyan.
- シアンのインクを使いましょう。Shian no inku o tsukaimashou.Let's use cyan ink.
- デザインにシアンを取り入れます。Dezain ni shian o toriiremasu.I will incorporate cyan into the design.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are choosing colors for a design project.
- 結衣 Yuiどの色がいいと思う？dono iro ga ii to omou?Which color do you think is good?
- 健太 Kentaシアンがいいと思います。shian ga ii to omoimasu.I think cyan would be good.
- 結衣 Yuiシアンは明るくていいですね。shian wa akarukute ii desu ne.Cyan is nice and bright, isn't it?
- 健太 Kentaはい、決定しましょう。hai, kettei shimashou.Yes, let's decide on that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cyan” translations and entries シアン, 水色, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries シアン, 水色, CC BY-SA 4.0.
