青白い
aojiroi
The English adjective "pale" is translated into Japanese as 青白い (aojiroi).
青白い is used to describe something that is light in color. It is frequently used to describe a person's complexion when they look sickly, frightened or exhausted.
Meaning: light in color (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the past tense of this adjective, change the final い to かった, resulting in 青白かった. To use this adjective as an adverb to modify a verb, change the final い to く, resulting in 青白く.
How do you pronounce it?
aojiroi
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese, the word 青 (ao) was used to describe a wide range of colors including blue, green and even some shades of purple.
- Japanese culture distinguishes between the negative paleness of 青白い and a desired 'white' skin tone, which is a traditional beauty standard.
- While 青白い describes a pale complexion, Japanese also uses 真っ白 (masshiro) to describe someone who has turned 'stark white' from extreme shock or fear.
Examples in context
- 具合が悪いの？顔が青白いよ。Are you sick? You look pale.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe someone looking pale due to illness.Tatoeba #9682021 by bunbuku, translation #318399 by CK
- 彼女はいつも青白い顔をしている。She always looks pale.This sentence shows how to describe a person's habitual appearance.Tatoeba #93246 by bunbuku, translation #310462 by CK
- 彼女は色白で美しいです。She has a pale complexion and is beautiful.
- このカーテンは薄いピンク色です。This curtain is a pale pink color.
- 彼女は白粉を使って肌を白くしました。She used white powder to make her skin pale.
- 青白い月が空に浮かんでいる。aojiroi tsuki ga sora ni ukande iru.A pale moon is floating in the sky.
Example conversation
Hiyori is worried about Hiroto after he woke up from a nap.
- 大翔 Hirotoあー、よく眠れた。ā, yoku nemureta.Ah, I slept well.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔、なんだか顔が青白いよ。Hiroto, nandaka kao ga aojiroi yo.Hiroto, your face looks kind of pale.
- 大翔 Hiroto本当？ちょっと寒いのかな。hontō? chotto samui no kana.Really? I wonder if it's a bit cold.
- 陽葵 Himari暖かい飲み物を飲んでね。atatakai nomimono o nonde ne.Please drink something warm.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
