rosa
/ˈrɔ.za/
The Italian word for pink is rosa.
rosa is used to describe the color between red and white. You can modify the shade by adding descriptors: rosa chiaro for light pink, rosa scuro for dark pink, rosa pallido for pale pink and rosa brillante for bright pink.
Meaning: colored/coloured between red and white (adj)
Which one should you use?
While rosa is the standard adjective for the color pink, it is also the noun used to refer to the flower rose. For a different type of flower often associated with pink tones, the word garofano refers to a carnation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to describe a color, rosa is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to match the gender or number of the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈrɔ.za/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While rosa usually means the color or flower, it is also a form of the verb rodere, meaning 'to gnaw' or 'to chew'.
- While English uses 'pink' to describe a flush of embarrassment, Italians use arrossire, which comes from the word for red, rosso.
- In many Italian fashion or interior design contexts, you might encounter the term rosa cipria, which literally translates to 'powder pink' to describe a delicate, makeup-like shade.
Examples in context
- La rosa è rosa.The rose is pink.This example shows how to use rosa to describe the color of a rose.Tatoeba #8242991 by Guybrush88, translation #1417588 by marcelostockle
- Il libro è rosa.The book is pink.This sentence demonstrates using rosa to describe the color of a book.Tatoeba #6722651 by Guybrush88, translation #5257001 by solejar
- Il pollo è rosa.The chicken is pink.This example illustrates how rosa is used to describe the color of chicken.Tatoeba #8405697 by Guybrush88, translation #4104548 by Hybrid
- La sua camicia è di un rosa molto vivace.His/her shirt is a very vibrant pink.
- Preferisco un vino rosato a un vino bianco.I prefer a pink wine to a white wine.
- Oggi hai una pelle molto rosea!Today you have a very pinkish skin tone!
- La sua maglia è di un bel colore ciclamino.His/her sweater is a nice shade of pink.
- la camicia rosaThe pink shirt
- un fiore giallo e rosaA yellow and pink flower
- 132 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are choosing a gift in a boutique.
- SofiaTi piace questo vestito rosa?Do you like this pink dress?
- FrancescoSì, è molto bello, Sofia.Yes, it is very beautiful, Sofia.
- SofiaPreferisco il rosa rispetto al rosso.I prefer pink over red.
- FrancescoHai ragione, ti sta bene.You're right, it suits you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pink” translations and entries rosa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rosa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
