パステル
pasuteru[pa̠sɨ̥te̞ɾɯ̟]
The English phrase "pastel" is translated into Japanese as パステル (pasuteru).
パステル refers to any of several subdued tints of colors. In many contexts, it is very common to append the English word for color (カラー) to form the compound パステルカラー (pastel color).
Meaning: any of several subdued tints of colors (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
pasuteru
Did you know?
- In some creative contexts, パステル is used to describe a 'pastel' voice or tone, meaning a sound that is gentle and soothing.
- In Japanese fashion, describing an outfit as パステルカラー often implies a specific 'kawaii' aesthetic, frequently associated with soft, youthful, and 'dreamy' styles.
- When describing a pastel-colored object, Japanese speakers may use the adjective 淡い ('awai') to describe the pale or faint quality of the color, which carries a poetic connotation of transience.
Examples in context
- 最近、柔らかい色の洋服をよく着るようになりましたLately, I've been wearing a lot of soft-colored clothes.
- パステルカラーの服が好きです。Pasuteru karā no fuku ga suki desu.I like pastel colored clothes.
- この部屋はパステル調の壁です。Kono heya wa pasuteru chō no kabe desu.This room has pastel-toned walls.
- パステル系の色を使って描いてください。Pasuteru kei no iro o tsukatte kaite kudasai.Please use pastel-style colors to draw.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are looking at paint samples for a room.
- 結衣 Yuiどの色がいいと思う？dono iro ga ii to omou?Which color do you think is good?
- 健太 Kenta優しいパステル系がいいな。yasashii pasuteru kei ga ii na.I think a soft pastel tone would be nice.
- 結衣 Yui私もパステル色に賛成！watashi mo pasuteru iro ni sansei!I agree with pastel colors too!
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、これで決めようか。jā, kore de kimeyō ka.Then, shall we decide on this one?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry パステル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
