Japanese word

青色

Pronunciation

Romajiaoiro

Meaning

  • nounblue

Example

この紙は青色です。ko no kami wa ao iro de su

This paper is blue.

Illustration for 青色 (blue)

More examples

夏の案内には青色を使うと、涼しい印象になります。natsu no an nai ni wa ao iro o tsuka u to suzu shi i in shō ni na ri ma su

Using blue in a summer guide gives it a cool impression.

Core concept

Describes the cool color seen in a clear sky and ranging from pale cyan to deep blue.

Common phrases

  • 青色のシャツao iro no sha tsu

    blue shirt

  • 青色のインクao iro no i n ku

    blue ink

  • 青色に塗るao iro ni nu ru

    paint blue

Similar words

青ao: A common name for a range of blue hues, including some traditionally green shades.
水色mizuiro: A bright, pale blue color.
紺色koniro: A rich, dark blue color.

Definition in Japanese

晴れた空や深い海などに見られる、紫がかった色から緑がかった色までを含む色。ha re ta sora ya fuka i umi na do ni mi ra re ru murasaki ga ka tta iro ka ra midori ga ka tta iro ma de o fuku mu iro

Word origin

青色 (aoiro) combines 青 (ao, "blue") and 色 (iro, "color"), joining a color name with the general word for color.

Usage tips

  • In Japan, 青信号 (aoshingō) uses the color word for blue even though the signal usually appears green to English-speaking eyes.

Word lists with this word