blanco roto
/blanko ɾoto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "off-white" is translated into Spanish as blanco roto. Wiktionary also lists blanco apagado.
Meaning: of a very pale colour that is almost white (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| blanco roto | /blanko ɾoto/ (from spelling rules) |
| blanco apagado | /blanko apaɡado/ (from spelling rules) |
This term refers to a color that is very pale and almost white. Both the adjective and noun forms can be expressed using blanco roto or blanco apagado.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase blanco roto literally translates to "broken white".
Which one should you use?
Blanco roto is the standard term used in design and fashion for off-white or cream-adjacent tones. In contrast, blanco apagado suggests a white that is dull or muted.
Related words
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word blanco does not just describe a color but also serves as the noun for the 'target' or 'bullseye' in archery and shooting.
- The term blanco can be used in the expression quedarse en blanco, which means to suddenly forget everything or have a mental block.
- The English word 'blank' and the Spanish word blanco are linguistic cousins, both descending from an ancient root meaning 'to shine'.
Examples in context
- Este vestido es de color blanco roto.This dress is off-white in color.
- El sofá tiene un color blanco sucio muy elegante.The sofa has a very elegant off-white color.
- Las paredes de esta sala están pintadas de blanco marfil.The walls of this room are painted off-white/ivory white.
- Esta camiseta es de un blanco hueso muy elegante.This t-shirt has a very elegant off-white color.
- Me gusta la pintura de las paredes, es un blanco crema muy acogedor.I like the wall paint, it's a very cozy off-white/cream white.
- Las paredes son de un color blanco roto.The walls are an off-white color.
- Ese vestido es de un tono blanco roto muy bonito.That dress is a very pretty off-white shade.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are looking at paint samples in a store.
- Javier¿Te gusta este tono de blanco roto?Do you like this off-white shade?
- ElenaSí, me parece perfecto para el salón.Yes, I think it is perfect for the living room.
- JavierEntonces, llevaré este bote de pintura.Then, I will take this can of paint.
- ElenaEs una buena elección, Javier.It is a good choice, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “off-white” translations and entries blanco roto, blanco apagado, 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 blanco, roto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
