viola
/viˈɔ.la/masculine
The Italian word for the color violet is viola.
The word viola refers to the color violet. In Italian, it is also the standard term used to describe the broader category of purple.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Which one should you use?
While viola specifically refers to violet, it is the common word used for the general color purple.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to describe a color, viola is invariable. This means it remains the same regardless of the gender or number of the noun it describes.
How do you pronounce it?
/viˈɔ.la/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word viola may be linked to the ancient Roman goddess Vitula, who was associated with stringed instruments.
- The word viola is used for both the colour and the musical instrument known as the viola.
- While viola is the common word for purple, the term porpora exists but is reserved for a very specific, deep reddish-purple associated with royalty.
Examples in context
- La violetta è viola.The violet is violet.This sentence uses viola to describe the color of a violet.Tatoeba #10931860 by JeanM, translation #5257030 by solejar
- Questo fiore è viola.This flower is violet in color.This sentence uses viola to describe the color of a flower.Tatoeba #10931893 by JeanM, translation #6608232 by arh
- Questo non è blu, è viola.This is not blue, it is violet.This sentence uses viola to distinguish the color from blue.Tatoeba #10931868 by JeanM, translation #4083046 by VanadiumV
- Quella cravatta è di un bellissimo colore viola.That tie is of a beautiful violet color.
- Sì, davvero una bella tonalità di violaceo. Mi piace anche il violetto chiaro.Yes, a really nice shade of violet. I also like light violet.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are choosing a paint color for a room.
- ChiaraPreferisci il blu o il viola?Do you prefer blue or purple?
- FrancescoPenso che il viola sia troppo forte.I think purple is too strong.
- ChiaraMa questo viola è molto chiaro.But this purple is very light.
- FrancescoHai ragione, questo viola è bellissimo.You are right, this purple is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “violet” translations and entries viola, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries viola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
