黒
kuro[kɯ̟ɾo̞]
The Japanese word for "black" is 黒 (kuro).
黒 is used to refer to the color black as a noun. You can also use related forms to describe things as being blackish or pitch black.
Which one should you use?
黒 is the noun form used to name the color itself. In contrast, when you want to use "black" as an adjective to describe an object directly, you must use the adjective form 黒い (kuroi).
How does it change in a sentence?
While 黒 is the noun, it changes to the i-adjective 黒い (kuroi) when describing a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
kuro
Did you know?
- The term 黒歴史 (kuro-rekishi), meaning 'black history', is a common slang term used to describe a cringeworthy or embarrassing period in one's own life.
- In Japanese culture, 黒 (kuro) is often used metaphorically to denote a 'guilty' verdict or a 'bad' actor, as seen in the phrase 'white or black' meaning 'innocent or guilty'.
- The Japanese word for 'cloud', 雲 (kumo), is thought to be a distant relative of the word for 'black', 黒 (kuro).
Examples in context
- 彼の車は黒いHis car is black.
- 猫が黒いThe cat is black.
- 彼女の髪は黒っぽいHer hair is blackish.
- この鞄は黒です。Kono kaban wa kuro desu.This bag is black.
- 黒のペンを貸してください。Kuro no pen o kashite kudasai.Please lend me a black pen.
- 彼は黒いシャツを着ています。Kare wa kuroi shatsu o kite imasu.He is wearing a black shirt.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are shopping for a new bag.
- 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やっぱり黒がいいよ。Yappari kuro ga ii yo.Black is probably the best.
- 結衣 Yui私も黒にするね。Watashi mo kuro ni suru ne.I'll go with black too.
- 健太 Kentaそれが一番似合うと思う。Sore ga ichiban niau to omou.I think that suits you best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 黒, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 黒, CC BY-SA 4.0.
