Translation guide
Describes something that has color, often in contrast to being colorless or white. In Japanese, the expression depends on whether you mean 'having a specific color', 'non-white', or 'colored by dye/paint'.
I bought colored drawing paper.
Please write with a colored pen.
Loanword from English 'color'. Often used in compound nouns like カラー写真 (color photo) or カラーペン (colored pen).
Please make a color copy.
The object is not clear or white; it has some color, often translucent or tinted.
Relative clause meaning 'to which color has been attached'. Used for liquids, glass, etc.
It's a colored glass vase.
Mix the colored liquid.
Technical term meaning 'colored' or 'pigmented', often used in scientific contexts like 有色鉱物 (colored mineral).
Something has been intentionally given color through a process like dyeing.
Referring to people of non-white racial background. Note: This term is outdated and potentially offensive in English; Japanese equivalents may also carry historical or discriminatory nuances.
Literally 'colored race'. This is a dated and potentially offensive term. Use with extreme caution, if at all.
This term is considered discriminatory in modern usage. Avoid unless discussing historical contexts.
The term 'colored people' is now considered discriminatory.
The English term 'colored' when referring to people is outdated and offensive. The Japanese equivalent 有色人種 is similarly problematic. Use specific ethnic or racial descriptors instead, or rephrase entirely.
African American (more appropriate than 'colored')
有色ガラスは紫外線を遮る。
Colored glass blocks ultraviolet rays.