canus
[ˈkaː.nʊs]
The English word gray is translated into Latin in several ways, primarily as canus. If unsure, use canus. Wiktionary also lists rāvus and pullus.
Meaning: of a color somewhere between white and black, like cinders (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| canus | [ˈkaː.nʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkaː.nus] (narrow) |
| rāvus | |
| pullus | [ˈpʊl.lʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpul.lus] (narrow) |
| cinereus | [kɪˈnɛ.re.ʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [t͡ʃiˈnɛː.re.us] (narrow) |
In Latin, the word used for gray depends heavily on the specific shade, the object being described and whether the color is a bright white-gray or a dark, somber tone. You may also use the verb cānēscō to describe the process of turning gray, such as hair whitening with age.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of the word offer specific nuances: canus is often used to describe gray or white hair, particularly in the context of aging. cinereus refers to an ash-like gray. pullus describes a dark, dusky or somber gray that leans closer to black than white. Finally, rāvus can imply a reddish-gray or a dull, dark color and is frequently used to describe hair or certain animals.
Related words
Did you know?
- In some theories, the dark gray term pullus is considered to be an onomatopoeia, a word meant to sound like a specific noise.
- The Latin word pullus can mean a dark gray color, but it is also the word for a 'young animal' or 'chick'.
- While 'canus' refers to gray hair, it is also related to the Ancient Greek word for 'yellow', xanthos.
Examples in context
- Thorax laneus cinereus mihi magis quam thorax laneus purpureus placet.The gray sweater I like more than the purple.This sentence demonstrates how to express a preference for a gray sweater.Tatoeba #1158038 by alexmarcelo, translation #462736 by lukaszpp
- Elephantus cinereus est.The elephant is gray.This sentence shows how to describe an elephant as being gray.Tatoeba #1074077 by alexmarcelo, translation #11150931 by carlosalberto
- Panis griseus in mensa est.The gray bread is on the table.
- Pater meus tunicam cineream habet.My father has a gray tunic.
- Puellae cinereos oculos habent.The girls have gray eyes.
- Lupus canus sub luna currit.A gray wolf runs under the moon.
Example conversation
Julia and Marcus are looking at a picture of a dog.
- JuliaVide, Marce! Canis canus est.Look, Marcus! The dog is gray.
- MarcusIta, sed oculi eius sunt nigri.Yes, but its eyes are black.
- JuliaQuid putas, canus est an albus?What do you think, is it gray or white?
- MarcusCerte canus est.It is certainly gray.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gray” translations and entries canus, pullus, cinereus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canus, cinereus, pullus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
