Japanese word

白い

Pronunciation

Romajishiroi

Meaning

  • i-adjectivewhite

Example

雪は白いです。yuki wa shiro i de su

Snow is white.

Illustration for 白い (white)

More examples

白い紙に絵をかきます。shiro i kami ni e o ka ki ma su

I draw a picture on white paper.

今日は白いシャツを着ています。kyō wa shiro i sha tsu o ki te i ma su

I am wearing a white shirt today.

Core concept

Refers to the light, pale appearance associated with snow, milk, and clean paper.

Common phrases

  • 白い雲shiro i kumo

    white cloud

  • 白い犬shiro i inu

    white dog

  • 白い靴shiro i kutsu

    white shoes

Similar words

真っ白いmasshiroi: Being entirely white in color or appearance.
白っぽいshiroppoi: Having an appearance that is somewhat white or pale.

Definition in Japanese

雪や牛乳のような、明るく色の薄い状態である。yuki ya gyū nyū no yō na aka ru ku iro no usu i jō tai de a ru

Word origin

白い (shiroi) is a native Japanese adjective formed from 白 (shiro, "white") with the adjective ending い (i).

Usage tips

  • 白い (shiroi) can describe both color and appearance, so 白い髪 (shiroi kami) means hair that looks white.

Opposites

Related words

  • 白さshirosawhitenessnoun
  • 白みshiromiwhitishnessnoun

Word lists with this word