Translation guide
The color red. In Japanese, the most common word is 赤 (あか). There are also specific words for shades of red, red objects, and idiomatic uses.
Describing something as red in color.
The basic word for the color red. Used as a noun or with の to modify nouns.
I like red cars.
This red is very beautiful, isn't it?
The adjective form meaning 'red'. Used directly before nouns or at the end of a sentence.
Loanword from English, used in product names, fashion, or to sound modern.
Referring to specific shades like crimson, scarlet, or deep red.
Referring to things that are red by nature or culturally associated with red.
Expressions where red carries a figurative meaning.
Complete stranger. Literally 'red stranger'.
I ate a red apple.
The sky is red.
This red bag is cute, isn't it?
Bright or deep red, often used for vivid reds like a ripe tomato or a blushing face.
His face turned bright red.
Crimson or deep red, often used in poetic or traditional contexts.
Crimson flowers are blooming.
Vermilion, a reddish-orange color often used in traditional Japanese art and architecture.
The torii gate of the shrine is vermilion.
Red traffic light. Often shortened to 赤 in context.
Please stop at the red light.
Deficit, in the red (financial). Literally 'red characters'.
The company is in the red.
Baby. Derived from the reddish skin of newborns.
The baby is crying.
He is a complete stranger to me.
Barefaced lie. Literally 'bright red lie'.
That's a barefaced lie.
a flower of the color red (less common)
レッド is a loanword and sounds casual or commercial. For everyday color description, use 赤 or 赤い. レッド is common in fashion, product names, or when emphasizing a trendy shade.
I like the color red.