añil
/aˈɲil/masculine
The English word indigo can be translated into Spanish as añil or índigo.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| añil | /aˈɲil/ | masculine |
| índigo | /ˈindiɡo/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
índigo is a direct loan from English, whereas añil is the traditional Spanish term often used to refer to the plant or the dye itself. Turquí is used to describe a much darker, almost blackish-blue shade, similar to navy blue, whereas añil and índigo refer to the standard indigo hue.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to describe a noun, añil remains invariable in gender, but it can be used with 'de' (e.g., un vestido de color añil) to function as a color descriptor.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈɲil/
Did you know?
- The word añil traveled through four different languages before entering Spanish, moving from Sanskrit to Middle Persian, then to Arabic and finally through Andalusian Arabic.
- In Central America, specifically El Salvador, añil is considered a national symbol due to the country's historical role as a major indigo exporter.
- Unlike most Spanish adjectives, añil does not change its ending to match the gender of the noun it describes.
Examples in context
- El color añil es conocido por su profundidad y riqueza.The color indigo is known for its depth and richness.
- El azul añil es muy popular en la industria textil.Indigo blue is very popular in the textile industry.
- Mi camisa favorita es azul oscuro, como el color índigo.My favorite shirt is dark blue, like the color indigo.
- Para ese proyecto, elegiría un tono añilado.For that project, I would choose an indigo tone.
- El añil es un color muy intenso.Indigo is a very intense color.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at art supplies in a store.
- Elena¿Te gusta este pigmento de añil?Do you like this indigo pigment?
- MateoSí, es un color precioso.Yes, it is a beautiful color.
- ElenaMateo, ¿crees que el añil combina con el blanco?Mateo, do you think indigo goes with white?
- MateoPor supuesto, se ve muy elegante.Of course, it looks very elegant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “indigo” translations and entries añil, índigo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries añil, índigo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
