paars
/paːrs/
The Dutch word for purple is paars. Wiktionary also lists purper and purperen.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| paars | /paːrs/ |
| purper | /ˈpʏr.pər/ |
| purperen |
The word refers to the color purple as both a noun and an adjective.
Which one should you use?
paars is the standard, everyday word for the color used in most contexts. In contrast, purper is a more poetic or literary term that often refers to a deep, rich or royal shade of purple or crimson.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/paːrs/
Did you know?
- The word paars might actually have its roots in the word for 'Persia', suggesting that the color was historically associated with garments from that region.
Examples in context
- Ik hou van paars.I love purple.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal preference for the color paars.Tatoeba #7769367 by MarijnKp, translation #3821318 by CK
- Deze bloem is paars.This flower is purple.This sentence is useful for describing the color of a flower using paars.Tatoeba #7327902 by MarijnKp, translation #7327847 by MarijnKp
- Hij houdt van paars.He likes purple.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone else likes the color paars.Tatoeba #9589605 by MarijnKp, translation #8479271 by CH
- Welke kleur vind je het mooiste? Ik vind de paarse bloemen prachtig!Which color do you like the most? I think the purple flowers are beautiful!
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Emma are choosing a color for a new room.
- LeviWelke kleur wil je voor de muur?Which color do you want for the wall?
- EmmaIk denk dat paars een goed idee is.I think purple is a good idea.
- LeviIs paars niet iets te fel?Isn't purple a bit too bright?
- EmmaNee, ik vind paars juist heel rustgevend.No, I actually find purple very calming.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purple” translations and entries paars, purper, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paars, purper, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
