morado
/moˈɾado/
The English phrase 'purple' is translated into Spanish as morado.
Morado is the standard word used to describe the color purple.
Which one should you use?
While morado is the standard term, púrpura is often used to refer specifically to a more intense, reddish-purple or royal purple.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In both Latin America and Spain, lila is used as a synonym for a lighter shade of purple. In certain regions, frequently in Spain, the word malva is used to describe a lighter or more diluted shade of purple.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, morado must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use morada for feminine singular nouns, morados for masculine plural nouns and moradas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/moˈɾado/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the phrase ponerse morado literally means 'to turn purple', but it is often used idiomatically to describe eating an enormous amount of food.
- The word morado comes from mora, which is the Spanish word for 'mulberry'.
- In Spain, the word morado is used to describe the traditional robes of the nazarenos who march in processions during Holy Week.
Examples in context
- Las flores del jardín son de un tono morado claro precioso.The flowers in the garden are a beautiful light purple tone.
- La flor es morada.The flower is purple.
- El vestido es morado.The dress is purple.
- Me gusta ese color morado.I like that purple color.
- Ella compró un libro morado.She bought a purple book.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- María¿Te gusta este cuadro morado?Do you like this purple painting?
- MateoSí, el color morado es muy bonito.Yes, the purple color is very beautiful.
- MaríaMateo, busca uno más pequeño.Mateo, look for a smaller one.
- MateoEstá bien, María.Okay, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry morado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries morado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
