lilla
The English word purple is translated into Norwegian as lilla. Wiktionary also lists fiolett.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Ways to say it
| Norwegian |
|---|
| lilla |
| fiolett |
The term lilla can function as both a noun referring to the color purple and as an adjective to describe something as being purple.
Which one should you use?
While both lilla and fiolett mean purple, lilla is the more common, everyday term. Fiolett is often used in more formal, technical or specific contexts, such as describing the color of a violet flower. Additionally, fiolett primarily refers to lighter shades of purple and encompasses hues closer to lavender.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective before a noun, lilla is indeclinable and does not change its form, regardless of the gender or number of the noun (for example, en lilla bil, ei lilla bil or lilla biler).
Did you know?
- The word lilla derives from the Arabic word līlak, which refers to the lilac flower rather than the color itself.
- In Norwegian, 'lilla' is a linguistic rebel because it refuses to change its form to match the gender or number of the object it describes.
Examples in context
- Min genser er lilla.My sweater is purple.This sentence shows how to use lilla to describe the color of a piece of clothing.Tatoeba #2233223 by al_ex_an_der, translation #456475 by lukaszpp
- Jeg liker den lilla blomsten.I like the purple flower.
- Hun har en lilla veske.She has a purple bag.
Example conversation
Jakob and Emma are choosing paint for a room.
- JakobHva synes du om lilla?What do you think about purple?
- EmmaJeg synes lilla er en fin farge.I think purple is a nice color.
- JakobSkal vi male veggen lilla?Shall we paint the wall purple?
- EmmaJa, det blir kjempefint!Yes, that will look great!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purple” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fiolett, lilla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
