celeste
/θeˈleste/
The English phrase 'light blue' can be translated into Spanish as celeste or azul claro.
Meaning: a pale blue colour: sky blue or similar (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| celeste | /θeˈleste/ /seˈleste/ |
| azul claro | /aθul klaɾo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /asul klaɾo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
Both terms refer to a pale shade of blue. Celeste is frequently used to describe the specific color of the sky, while azul claro serves as a more general way to describe any light shade of blue.
Which one should you use?
Celeste is often used specifically to describe a sky-blue color, whereas azul claro is a more general way to say any light shade of blue.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Spain, the term azul cielo is used to describe a light blue color.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective, azul claro follows the noun it modifies, such as un coche azul claro (a light blue car).
How do you pronounce it?
/θeˈleste/
Did you know?
- The national sports teams of Argentina and Uruguay are nicknamed La Albiceleste, meaning 'the white and light blue'.
- The color celeste is often associated with the Virgin Mary in Catholic iconography across Spanish-speaking cultures.
- The term celeste is derived from the Latin caelestis, meaning 'heavenly'. In Spanish, this transforms a spiritual description into a specific color name.
Examples in context
- Pinté el tejado de azul claro.I painted the roof light blue.This sentence shows how to use azul claro to describe a painted surface.Tatoeba #704377 by Shishir, translation #256314 by CK
- Ella lleva un traje azul claro.She's wearing a light blue suit.This sentence shows how to use azul claro when describing clothing.Tatoeba #4356860 by umano, translation #2259205 by _undertoad
- Lleva puesto un vestido azul claro.She is wearing a light blue outfit.This sentence shows how to use azul claro to describe an outfit.Tatoeba #3416186 by Shishir, translation #2979935 by AlanF_US
- Su vestido es de un tono azul claro hermoso.Her dress is a beautiful light blue shade.
- Me encanta tu camisa celeste.I love your light blue shirt.
- Las paredes de su habitación son celestes.The walls of her room are light blue.
- Un azul claro suaveA soft light blue
- Un celeste brillanteA bright light blue
- Ese lago tiene un color azul claro como el cielo.That lake has a light blue color like the sky.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are choosing a color for a nursery wall.
- LucíaMe gusta este celeste para la habitación.I like this light blue for the room.
- JavierEs un tono muy bonito, Lucía.It is a very beautiful shade, Lucía.
- Lucía¿Crees que el celeste sea muy pálido?Do you think the light blue is too pale?
- JavierNo, para mí es perfecto.No, to me it is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light blue” translations and entries celeste, 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 azul, celeste, claro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
