Translation guide
The concept of colouration in English covers a wide range of meanings, from the natural colours of living things to the act of adding colour artificially. This guide focuses on the most common and useful Japanese expressions for an English-speaking learner, organized by intended meaning.
Describing the natural colours or patterns of living things, such as animals, plants, or insects.
General term for colouring or coloration, often used in biological or descriptive contexts. Can refer to both natural and artificial colouring.
この鳥の色彩はとても美しい。
The colouration of this bird is very beautiful.
Specifically refers to the body colour of animals. Common in zoology and biology.
カメレオンの体色は環境によって変わる。
A chameleon's colouration changes depending on the environment.
Nuance of colour; often used for subtle or aesthetic colouring. More about the shade or tint than the overall pattern.
花びらの色合いがとても繊細だ。
The colouration of the petals is very delicate.
Refers to spots, markings, or patterns on animals or plants. More specific than general colouration.
蝶の翅の斑紋は種によって異なる。
The wing colouration (patterns) of butterflies differs by species.
Referring to the act of colouring something, such as in art, dyeing, or manufacturing.
The most direct term for adding colour, colouring, or pigmentation. Used for artificial colouring of objects, food, etc.
この食品には着色料が使われている。
Colouration (colouring agents) are used in this food.
地図に着色する。
To add colouration to a map.
Colouring or painting, especially in art. Implies applying colours to a surface, like a painting or illustration.
Dyeing, staining. Specifically for textiles, fabrics, or biological samples.
Describing a particular tone, bias, or character that influences perception, similar to 'colouring' in English.
Can be used figuratively to mean a nuance or tinge of emotion, opinion, etc.
彼の言葉には皮肉の色合いがあった。
His words had a colouration of sarcasm.
Also used figuratively for character or flavour, e.g., local colour.
Literally 'to become coloured with...', used to mean influenced or tinged by something.
彼の意見は感情の色がついている。
His opinion has a colouration of emotion.
English 'colouration' is often used in broad or technical senses. In Japanese, it's usually more natural to use a specific term depending on whether you mean natural colours (色彩, 体色), artificial colouring (着色), or figurative tone (色合い). Using a generic word like 色彩 for everything can sound unnatural.
着色 is the general term for adding colour to something (e.g., food, maps). 彩色 is specifically for artistic painting or colouring illustrations. 染色 is for dyeing fabrics or staining in biology.
その絵に彩色を施す。
To apply colouration to the painting.
布の染色には天然染料を使った。
For the colouration of the cloth, natural dyes were used.
その小説には地方色豊かな色彩がある。
The novel has a rich colouration of local flavour.