pastel
/pas.tɛl/
The French word for pastel is pastel.
In French, pastel refers to any of several subdued tints of colors.
Meaning: any of several subdued tints of colors (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pastel is pastels.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /pas.tɛl/.
Did you know?
- The word pastel was once so synonymous with wealth in southern France that the blue dye it produced was known as 'blue gold'.
- The word pastel shares a common ancestor with the English word 'pasta'.
- In French, pastel is not just a color but also the name of a plant used to create a deep blue dye.
Examples in context
- J'adore ces couleurs pastel dans la chambre de bébé.I love these pastel colors in the baby's room.
- Elle porte une robe aux teintes pastel pour le mariage.She's wearing a dress with pastel shades for the wedding.
- Le mur est peint dans un pastel très doux.The wall is painted in a very soft pastel.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are choosing paint colors for a room.
- HugoQuel couleur préfères-tu pour la chambre ?Which color do you prefer for the bedroom?
- ManonJe préfère un pastel comme le vert d'eau.I prefer a pastel like seafoam green.
- HugoC'est un très bon choix, Manon.That is a very good choice, Manon.
- ManonMerci, Hugo, c'est très apaisant.Thank you, Hugo, it is very soothing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pastel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pastel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
