azul cerceta
/aθul θeɾθeta/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'teal blue' is translated into Spanish as azul cerceta.
azul cerceta refers to a medium to deep blue-green color.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of azul (blue) and cerceta (the teal duck).
Which one should you use?
While azul cerceta is the literal translation for teal, azul turquesa is a more common way to describe similar blue-green shades in everyday Spanish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term azul petróleo is occasionally used to refer to a darker shade of teal blue.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθul θeɾθeta/
Did you know?
- The word azul does not come from the Latin word for blue, but was borrowed from Arabic via the Persian word for 'lapis lazuli'.
- In Mexico, you might hear someone describe a dark teal shade as azul petróleo. This translates to 'oil blue', referring to the dark, shimmering color of crude oil.
Examples in context
- El vestido es de un tono cian muy atractivo.The dress is a very attractive shade of teal blue.
- Sus ojos son azul verdoso, como el mar en un día soleado.Her eyes are teal blue, like the sea on a sunny day.
- Me encanta nadar en el océano azul turquesa.I love swimming in the teal blue ocean.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are choosing a color for a new sofa.
- MateoMira este sofá azul cerceta, Elena.Look at this teal blue sofa, Elena.
- ElenaEs un color muy elegante, Mateo.It is a very elegant color, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Crees que combina con la sala?Do you think it matches the living room?
- ElenaSí, el azul cerceta queda perfecto allí.Yes, teal blue would look perfect there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries azul, cerceta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
