If you’re learning Spanish, knowing the colors is a great first step. Colors are everywhere: in clothing, food, nature, and conversations. Once you learn them, you’ll better describe the world around you and communicate more clearly. Here’s a clear overview of the most common colors in Spanish and how to use them.
Basic Colors in Spanish
These are the most common basic and secondary colors in Spanish:
- Red – rojo
- Blue – azul
- Yellow – amarillo
- Green – verde
- Orange – naranja
- Purple – morado (or púrpura, depending on the region)
- Pink – rosa (or rosado)
- Black – negro
- White – blanco
- Gray – gris
- Brown – marrón (or castaño or café, depending on the region)
Grammar Tips
1. Adjective Agreement
Color words in Spanish are adjectives. Usually, they go after the noun and must agree in gender and number.
- La casa roja (The red house – feminine, singular)
- Los coches negros (The black cars – masculine, plural)
2. Invariable Colors
Some colors, such as rosa, naranja, and lila, do not change according to gender or number.
- Una camisa rosa (A pink shirt)
- Unos zapatos rosa (Some pink shoes)
3. Colors as Nouns
You can also use colors as nouns:
- El rojo es mi color favorito. (Red is my favorite color.)
Everyday Uses
Knowing colors is especially useful for:
- Shopping: ¿Tienen esto en azul? (Do you have this in blue?)
- Giving directions: Gira a la izquierda en el edificio blanco. (Turn left at the white building.)
- Describing people and objects: Tiene ojos verdes. (She has green eyes.)
Fun Extras
- Colorido means “colorful”: Un mercado colorido (a colorful market)
- Colores cálidos – warm colors (rojos, naranjas, amarillos)
- Colores fríos – cool colors (azules, verdes, morados)
Final Words
Master the colors. Practice them and use them. Spanish is a language full of nuances and descriptions, and colors are one of its great charms. Start with the basics and add life to your vocabulary and confidence to your conversations.
