Translation guide
Describes a rich, dark shade of blue, often associated with the sea, sky, or gemstones. In Japanese, this color is expressed through specific color terms, descriptive phrases, and poetic expressions.
To describe something as being a dark, vivid blue color.
The most common and standard word for 'deep blue' or 'navy blue'. Used for clothing, fabrics, and everyday objects.
彼は紺色のスーツを着ている。
He is wearing a deep blue suit.
Literally 'dark navy', emphasizing a very deep shade of blue. Often used in formal or business contexts.
濃紺のネクタイが制服です。
A deep blue tie is part of the uniform.
Refers to the deep blue of lapis lazuli. Poetic and literary, used in traditional arts or descriptions of gemstones.
瑠璃色の空が広がっていた。
A deep blue sky spread out.
Indigo blue, a deep blue with historical significance in Japanese dyeing. Can be used for deep blue, but is more specific to indigo.
藍色の着物が美しい。
The deep blue kimono is beautiful.
To poetically or vividly describe the ocean or sky as being a rich, dark blue.
A common phrase meaning 'deep blue sea'. '紺碧' (konpeki) is a compound meaning deep blue or azure.
紺碧の海が目の前に広がっている。
The deep blue sea stretches out before my eyes.
Literally 'deep blue'. A straightforward descriptive phrase that can be used for any deep blue object or scene.
空は深い青に染まっていた。
The sky was dyed a deep blue.
Means 'dark blue' or 'thick blue'. More casual than 深い青, often used in everyday conversation.
今日の海は濃い青だね。
The sea is a deep blue today, isn't it?
紺色 is the general term for deep/navy blue. 濃紺 emphasizes a darker shade, often used in formal wear. 藍色 specifically refers to indigo, a traditional Japanese color, and may not always match the English 'deep blue'.
The word 青 (あお) can mean both blue and green in certain contexts (e.g., traffic lights). To specify 'deep blue', always use a modifier like 濃い (こい) or 深い (ふかい), or a specific color term like 紺色.