Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| avellana | /abeˈʝana/ | |
| color avellana | /koloɾ abeʝana/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term is used to describe a hazel color. You can use it as a noun to mean the color itself or as an adjective to describe objects. For example, the phrase ojos color avellana is a common way to say hazel eyes.
Which one should you use?
While avellana refers to the hazel color, the word avellano refers specifically to the hazelnut tree or shrub.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing something, you may use avellana as an invariable noun adjunct, meaning it does not change form to match the noun it modifies, such as in the phrase ojos avellana. However, when used as a standard adjective for feminine plural nouns, the form changes to avellanas. The masculine form color avellana is also used to specify the color.
How do you pronounce it?
/abeˈʝana/
Did you know?
- The word avellana is derived from the name of the city of Avella in Italy, which was famous for its hazelnut harvests in Roman times.
- In Spanish, many color words derived from objects, like avellana or canela 'cinnamon', act as noun adjuncts and do not change their ending to match the gender of the noun.
- The word color shares a common ancestor with the English word 'color' through the Latin colōr, originating from the Proto-Indo-European root *ḱel- meaning 'to cover' or 'conceal'.
Examples in context
- ojos avellanahazel eyesThis example shows how to use avellana to describe the color of eyes.
- su cabello es un tono avellana más oscurotheir hair is a darker hazel tone
- El vestido es de un tono avellana muy bonito.The dress is a very pretty hazel tone.
- Me gusta ese sofá color avellana.I like that hazel-colored sofa.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a new paint color for the living room.
- DanielMira esta pintura, es color avellana.Look at this paint, it is hazel.
- ElenaEs un tono muy bonito, Daniel.It is a very pretty tone, Daniel.
- Daniel¿Crees que combina con el sofá?Do you think it matches the sofa?
- ElenaSí, el color avellana queda perfecto.Yes, the hazel color looks perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hazel” translations and entries avellana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avellana, color, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
