Spanish word

carmín

Pronunciation

IPA/kaɾˈmin/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncrimson

Example

Su bufanda es carmín.

Her scarf is crimson.

Illustration for carmín (crimson)

More examples

La fachada está pintada de carmín.

The facade is painted crimson.

Core concept

Velvety deep red associated with lipstick and rich textiles.

Common phrases

  • vestido de carmín

    crimson dress

  • bufanda de carmín

    crimson scarf

  • corbata de carmín

    crimson tie

Similar words

rojo: General red hue covering many shades.
granate: Dark, deep red with a purple tinge.
escarlata: Bright red with a slightly orange, vivid tone.
burdeos: Deep, wine-like red with purple undertones.

Definition in Spanish

Rojo muy vivo y oscuro que expresa un tono profundo usado en textiles y cosmética.

Word origin

Derived from medieval Latin carminium through Old French carmin, the term originally referred to insect-based red dyes (kermes, cochineal) that produced a rich crimson hue.

Usage tips

  • Although similar to the English word carmine, Spanish carmín is written with an accent and is masculine (el carmín), so forms like un carmín appear when naming a shade.

Other meanings

  • carminenoun
  • scarletnoun

Opposites

  • palidezpalenessnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word