grisáceo
/ɡɾiˈsaθeo/
The English phrase 'grayish' is translated into Spanish as grisáceo. Wiktionary also lists entrecano / encanecido / canoso.
Meaning: somewhat gray (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| grisáceo | /ɡɾiˈsaθeo/ /ɡɾiˈsaseo/ |
| entrecano / encanecido / canoso |
The word grisáceo is an adjective used to describe something that is somewhat gray in color.
What does it mean word for word?
The word grisáceo is formed from the root gris (gray) and the suffix -áceo, which means 'resembling' or 'having the nature of'.
Which one should you use?
While grisáceo describes a color that is somewhat gray, the terms entrecano, encanecido or canoso are specifically used to describe hair that is turning gray.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective grisáceo must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, changing to grisácea for feminine nouns. The adjective grisáceo must agree in number with the noun it modifies, changing to grisáceos for masculine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɾiˈsaθeo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word canas (the plural of 'gray hair') is often used as a metaphor for wisdom or long experience in life.
- The suffix -áceo in grisáceo is a linguistic relative of the English suffix '-aceous', seen in words like 'sebaceous' or 'herbaceous'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, gray hair is referred to as cabellos de plata, meaning 'silver hairs', to make the description more flattering.
Examples in context
- El cielo estaba cubierto por nubes grisáceas.The sky was covered with grayish clouds.
- Me encanta ese suéter grisete que llevas.I love that grayish sweater you're wearing.
- El cielo tiene un tono grisáceo hoy.The sky has a grayish tone today.
- Me gusta ese azul grisáceo para la pared.I like that grayish blue for the wall.
- La tela es de un color grisáceo suave.The fabric is a soft grayish color.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are looking at paint samples in a store.
- Sofía¿Qué te parece este tono?What do you think of this shade?
- JavierEs un poco grisáceo para mi gusto.It is a bit grayish for my taste.
- SofíaTienes razón, es muy apagado.You are right, it is very dull.
- JavierBusquemos uno más brillante.Let's look for a brighter one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grayish” translations and entries grisáceo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canoso, entrecano, grisáceo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
