color pastel
/koloɾ pastel/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "pastel" refers to any of several subdued tints of colors in Spanish, using the default form color pastel. Wiktionary also lists tono pastel.
Meaning: any of several subdued tints of colors (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| color pastel | /koloɾ pastel/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| tono pastel | /tono pastel/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
Which one should you use?
You may also use tono pastel to specify a particular pastel tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 'pastel' as an adjective to modify a plural noun, the word 'pastel' remains invariable in number. For example, you would say colores pastel rather than adding an 's' to the word 'pastel' itself.
How do you pronounce it?
/koloɾ pastel/
Did you know?
- While 'pastel' describes a light color in English, in Spanish the word pastel most commonly refers to a cake or a pastry. If you ask for a 'color pastel' in a bakery, you might get a very confused look.
- Depending on the country, a pastel might be a savory stuffed pastry rather than a sweet cake.
- The word pastel shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the English word 'paste', as both relate to the idea of something being spread or worked into a soft mass.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría encargar una torta de cumpleaños para el sábado, por favor?Could I order a birthday cake for Saturday, please?
- ¿Me recomendaría un bizcocho para celebrar nuestro aniversario?Would you recommend a cake to celebrate our anniversary?
- ¡Qué deliciosa se ve esa tarta de chocolate!That chocolate cake looks delicious!
- Vamos a comer un pedazo de queque de vainilla.Let's have a slice of vanilla cake.
- Me encantaría probar un pedazo de ponqué de piña.I would love to try a piece of pineapple cake.
- ¿Podríamos comprar un kuchen de manzana en la panadería alemana?Could we buy an apple cake at the German bakery?
- Ese color pastel es muy relajante.That pastel color is very relaxing.
- Prefiero comprar un color pastel para la sala.I prefer to buy a pastel color for the living room.
- El vestido tiene un hermoso color pastel.The dress has a beautiful pastel color.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are choosing paint for a nursery.
- Mateo¿Te gusta este color pastel, Elena?Do you like this pastel color, Elena?
- ElenaSí, es un color pastel muy suave.Yes, it is a very soft pastel color.
- MateoCreo que quedaría perfecto en la habitación.I think it would look perfect in the room.
- ElenaEntonces, vamos a comprarlo ahora.Then, let's go buy it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pastel” translations, 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 color, pastel, tono, CC BY-SA 4.0.
