Translation guide
The English word 'colours' refers to hues like red, blue, and green. In Japanese, the basic word is 色 (iro). This guide covers how to talk about colours in general, ask about colours, and describe colourful things.
Talking about colours as a concept, or referring to multiple colours.
The most common word for 'colour' or 'colours'. Japanese often does not distinguish singular and plural, so 色 can mean 'colour' or 'colours' depending on context.
好きな色は何ですか？
What colours do you like?
この絵にはたくさんの色が使われている。
Many colours are used in this painting.
A more formal or technical term for 'colours' or 'coloration', often used in art or design contexts.
この画家は色彩の使い方が独特だ。
This painter's use of colours is unique.
Describing something that is colourful or has a variety of colours.
A common loanword meaning 'colourful'.
彼女の服はいつもカラフルだ。
Her clothes are always colourful.
Means 'vividly coloured' or 'brightly coloured', often used for visually striking things.
Asking about the colour of something.
Japanese nouns typically do not change form for plural. 色 (iro) can mean 'colour' or 'colours'. Use context or quantity words like たくさんの (many) to clarify if needed.
色鮮やかな花が咲いている。
Brightly coloured flowers are blooming.
Means 'various colours' or 'multicoloured', often used for a collection of items.
色とりどりの風船が空に浮かんでいる。
Multicoloured balloons are floating in the sky.