Translation guide
The English word "color" can refer to hue, coloring, or complexion. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 色 (iro), but the word is often used in compounds and set phrases. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally.
Referring to a specific color or the general concept of color.
Describing the way something is colored, its overall color scheme, or the act of adding color.
Refers to a shade, hue, or tinge of color. Often used for subtle variations.
I like the coloring of this fabric.
Color scheme or combination of colors, especially in design.
Coloring, as in adding color to something (e.g., food, illustrations). Often used as a noun or suru-verb.
Referring to the color of someone's face, often indicating health or emotion.
Metaphorical use of 'color' to mean distinctive quality or atmosphere.
The loanword カラー (karā) is used in specific contexts like 'color TV' (カラーテレビ) or 'color contact lenses' (カラーコンタクト), but for general color, use 色 (iro).
To say something is a certain color, you can use the adjective form: 赤い (red), 青い (blue), etc. For colors without an i-adjective, use の: 緑の (green), 紫の (purple).
この絵は色彩が豊かだ。
This painting is rich in color.
この部屋の配色は落ち着いている。
The color scheme of this room is calming.
このお菓子は着色料を使っていない。
This candy doesn't use artificial coloring.
He lied without changing color (without flinching).
今日は血色がいいですね。
You have a good color today (you look healthy).
この地域の特色は何ですか？
What is the local color of this area?