Translation guide
The concept of 'colouring' can refer to the act of applying color, the way something is colored, or the substance used to add color. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
Expressing the action of adding color to something, like in art or crafts.
The most common way to say 'to color' (literally 'to apply color'). Used for coloring pictures, drawings, etc.
The children are coloring the picture.
Refers to the activity of coloring in a coloring book. Often used as a noun.
Coloring relieves stress.
A more formal or artistic term for coloring, often used in fine arts or traditional contexts.
This painting has beautiful coloring.
Describing the color or pattern of an object, animal, or surface.
Refers to the shade, hue, or overall coloring of something. Very common and natural.
I like the coloring of this fabric.
A slightly more formal word for coloration or coloring, often used in descriptions of art, nature, or design.
Simply 'color'. In many contexts, this is sufficient to convey 'coloring'.
Referring to the material or additive that imparts color.
General term for food coloring or any coloring agent added to products.
This candy contains no artificial coloring.
Pigment or dye; can refer to natural or synthetic coloring matter.
Specifically refers to paints or coloring materials for art, like watercolors or poster colors.
色を塗る is the everyday phrase for 'to color' (e.g., coloring a picture). 彩色 is more formal and often used in artistic or traditional contexts, like coloring a painting or a sculpture.
A child colors with crayons.
To apply coloring to a Buddhist statue.
秋の山々の色彩は素晴らしい。
The coloring of the autumn mountains is wonderful.
This dog's coloring is unusual.
Cosmetics using natural coloring.
I bought new coloring paints.