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When I was in Japan I played Uno with a group of Japanese people who did NOT speak English. I was EXTREMELY grateful that I at least knew my colors. I remember when I put the wild card down and had to choose a color – I was so nervous that I said the first thing that came to mind. 黄色（きいろ), Yellow. Everyone nodded and then the game continued, I felt incredibly proud of myself in that moment. You’d be surprised how often colors come up in casual conversation.
Written below is the only guide you’ll need to master Japanese colors! With examples sentences, historical importance, and easier ways to remember the kanji!
Contents(click for a short cut):
- Red | Aka | 赤 (あか)
- Blue | Ao | 青 (あお)
- Yellow | Kiiro | 黄色 (きいろ)
- Green | Midori | 緑 (みどり)
- White | Shiro | 白 (しろ)
- Black | Kuro | 黒 (くろ)
- Orange | Orenjiiro | オレンジ色 (おれんじいろ)
- Purple | Murasaki | 紫 (むらさき)
- Pink | Pinku | ピンク
- Gray | Haiiro | 灰色 (はいいろ)
- Gold | Kin | 金 (きん)
- Silver | Gin | 銀 (ぎん)
- Brown | Cha | 茶色 (ちゃいろ)
- Rainbow | Niji | 虹 (にじ）
- Important color info
- I just want the infographic ( I get it )
Red | Aka | 赤 (あか)
The word for red is 赤 (あか, aka). This kanji character, 赤, is commonly used to describe anything that is red, from apples to sunsets. Here’s a simple way to remember it: the kanji looks like a person standing under a shelter, which can help you recall the warmth and protection associated with the color red.
Want to learn how to memorize kanji easier? Click here! **** PUT LINK TO RADICALS ***
赤 (aka) is used in many contexts. For instance:
- 赤いりんご (あかいりんご, akai ringo) – red apple
- 赤ちゃん (あかちゃん, akachan) – baby (literally “little red one”, as babies often have a reddish hue)
Red is also a significant color in Japanese culture. It symbolizes energy, vitality, and even good fortune. You might see it during celebrations, such as New Year’s or weddings, where red decorations are prominent.
In Japanese, adjectives are slightly different from English. When describing something as red, you add -い (-i) to the end of 赤, making it 赤い (あかい, akai). For example, “red flower” would be 赤い花 (あかいはな, akai hana).
Blue ｜Ao｜青（あお）
The word for blue is 青 (あお, ao). The kanji character 青 is straightforward and easy to remember. It is often used to describe the sky, the sea, and even traffic lights! In the kanji 青, the top part resembles a roof or a plant, which can remind you of the natural blue of the sky and sea, while the bottom part looks like a character for earth or ground, connecting it to the natural world,
青 (ao) appears in various contexts. For example:
- 青い空 (あおいそら, aoi sora) – blue sky
- 青い海 (あおいうみ, aoi umi) – blue sea
Interestingly, in Japanese, the color term 青 can also describe green objects, especially in traditional contexts. For instance, a green traffic light is often referred to as 青信号 (あおしんごう, ao shingō).
When describing something as blue, you add -い (-i) to the end of 青, making it 青い (あおい, aoi). For example, “blue bird” would be 青い鳥 (あおいとり, aoi tori).
Blue holds cultural significance in Japan. It is often associated with calmness, stability, and harmony. You might notice that many traditional Japanese art pieces feature beautiful blue hues, reflecting the country’s appreciation for this serene color.
Yellow | Kiiro | 黄色 (きいろ)
The word for yellow is 黄色 (きいろ, kiiro). The kanji character 黄色 combines 黄 (き, ki), meaning “yellow,” and 色 (いろ, iro), meaning “color.” This can help you remember the bright and cheerful quality of yellow, reminiscent of sunlight and flowers.
黄色 (kiiro) appears in various contexts. For example:
- 黄色い花 (きいろいはな, kiiroi hana) – yellow flower
- 黄色い鳥 (きいろいとり, kiiroi tori) – yellow bird
Yellow in Japanese culture often symbolizes happiness, energy, and warmth. It is a color that conveys positivity and cheerfulness.
When describing something as yellow, you add -い (-i) to the end of 黄色, making it 黄色い (きいろい, kiiroi). For example, “yellow butterfly” would be 黄色い蝶 (きいろいちょう, kiiroi chō).
Green | Midori | 緑 (みどり)
The word for green is 緑 (みどり, midori). The kanji character 緑 has the radical 糸 (いと, ito), meaning “thread” or “silk,” the right side has the radical 水 (みず, mizu) and on the top is similar to the Katakana ヨ(Yo).
緑 (midori) is widely used to describe the color of foliage, grass, and other natural elements. For example:
- 緑の草 (みどりのくさ, midori no kusa) – green grass
- 緑の森 (みどりのもり, midori no mori) – green forest
When describing something as green, you add -の (-no) to the end of 緑, making it 緑の (みどりの, midori no). For example, “green leaves” would be 緑の葉 (みどりのは, midori no ha).
White | Shiro | 白 (しろ)
The word for white is 白 (しろ, shiro). It is often used to describe purity, cleanliness, and simplicity. In the kanji 白, the character itself resembles a sun shining brightly, which can remind you of the clear, white light of the sun.
白 (shiro) appears in various contexts. For example:
- 白い雪 (しろいゆき, shiroi yuki) – white snow
- 白い雲 (しろいくも, shiroi kumo) – white clouds
Interestingly, white in Japanese culture is also associated with beginnings and sacredness. For instance, white clothing is often worn during traditional ceremonies and festivals to symbolize purity and new beginnings.
When describing something as white, you add -い (-i) to the end of 白, making it 白い (しろい, shiroi). For example, “white flower” would be 白い花 (しろいはな, shiroi hana).
Black | Kuro | 黒 (くろ)
The word for black is 黒 (くろ, kuro). The kanji character 黒 is composed of the radical 里 (り, ri), meaning “village,” and four dots representing soot or fire. This character can remind you of the color black as it relates to soot or charred remnants.
黒 (kuro) appears in various contexts. For example:
黒い夜 (くろいよる, kuroi yoru) – black night
黒い猫 (くろいねこ, kuroi neko) – black cat
Black in Japanese culture is often associated with formality, elegance, and mystery. It is commonly seen in traditional clothing, such as black kimono worn for formal occasions.
When describing something as black, you add -い (-i) to the end of 黒, making it 黒い (くろい, kuroi). For example, “black car” would be 黒い車 (くろいくるま, kuroi kuruma).
Orange | Orenjiiro | オレンジ色 (おれんじいろ)
The word for orange is 橙色 (だいだいいろ, daidaiiro) or simply オレンジ (orenji). The kanji character 橙色 combines 橙 (だいだい, daidai), meaning “bitter orange,” and 色 (いろ, iro), meaning “color.” This can help you remember the vibrant and citrusy nature of the color orange. During my time in Japan, I noticed everyone used オレンジ so I would recommend using that word.
橙色 (daidaiiro) appears in various contexts. For example:
- 橙色の夕日 (だいだいいろのゆうひ, daidaiiro no yūhi) – orange sunset
- 橙色の果物 (だいだいいろのくだもの, daidaiiro no kudamono) – orange fruit
Orange in Japanese culture often symbolizes energy, warmth, and the vibrant seasons of autumn. It is a color that brings a sense of vitality and enthusiasm.
When describing something as orange, you use 橙色の (だいだいいろの, daidaiiro no) or オレンジの (orenji no). For example, “orange flower” would be 橙色の花 (だいだいいろのはな, daidaiiro no hana) or オレンジの花 (orenji no hana).
Purple | Murasaki | 紫 (むらさき)
The word for purple is 紫 (むらさき, murasaki). The kanji character 紫 is composed of the radicals 糸 (いと, ito), meaning “thread” or “silk,” and 止 (と, tomeru), meaning “to stop.” This combination can help you remember the regal and luxurious quality of purple, as it was historically associated with expensive dyes and royal garments. Aka, only royals would wear purple. It is also my personal favorite word in Japanese! I find it fun to say – mu-ra-sa-ki. It sounds cute!
紫 (murasaki) appears in various contexts. For example:
- 紫の花 (むらさきのはな, murasaki no hana) – purple flower
- 紫の空 (むらさきのそら, murasaki no sora) – purple sky
Purple in Japanese culture is often associated with nobility, elegance, and spirituality. It is a color that conveys a sense of sophistication and mystique.
When describing something as purple, you use 紫の (むらさきの, murasaki no). For example, “purple robe” would be 紫の衣 (むらさきのころも, murasaki no koromo).
Pink | Pinku | ピンク
The word for pink is ピンク (pinku). It uses Katakana, which is the alphabet of borrowed words! This one is easy since it is the same in English. If you remember the Katakana alphabet then you are all set!
ピンク (pinku) appears in various contexts. For example:
- ピンクのバラ (ピンクのばら, pinku no bara) – pink rose
- ピンクの花 (ピンクのはな, momoiro no hana) – pink flower
Pink in Japanese culture often symbolizes youth, romance, and delicacy. It is a color that conveys warmth and tenderness.
When describing something as pink, you use ピンクの (pinku no) or 桃色の (momoiro no). For example, “pink dress” would be ピンクのドレス (pinku no doresu) or 桃色のドレス (momoiro no doresu).
Gray | Haiiro | 灰色 (はいいろ)
The word for gray is 灰色 (はいいろ, haiiro). The kanji character 灰色 combines 灰 (はい, hai), meaning “ash,” and 色 (いろ, iro), meaning “color.” This can help you remember the neutral and subdued quality of gray, reminiscent of ash.
灰色 (haiiro) appears in various contexts. For example:
- 灰色の空 (はいいろのそら, haiiro no sora) – gray sky
- 灰色の猫 (はいいろのねこ, haiiro no neko) – gray cat
Gray in Japanese culture often symbolizes neutrality, balance, and simplicity. It is a color that conveys calmness and stability.
When describing something as gray, you use 灰色の (はいいろの, haiiro no). For example, “gray stone” would be 灰色の石 (はいいろのいし, haiiro no ishi).
Gold | Kin | 金 (きん)
The word for gold is 金色 (きんいろ, kiniro). The kanji character 金色 combines 金 (きん, kin), meaning “gold” or “metal,” and 色 (いろ, iro), meaning “color.” This can help you remember the luxurious and radiant quality of gold.
金色 (kiniro) appears in various contexts. For example:
- 金色の太陽 (きんいろのたいよう, kiniro no taiyō) – golden sun
- 金色の髪 (きんいろのかみ, kiniro no kami) – golden hair (different from blonde hair which would be 金髪, きんぱつ, kinpatsu)
Gold in Japanese culture often symbolizes wealth, power, and prestige. It is a color that conveys opulence and grandeur.
When describing something as gold, you use 金色の (きんいろの, kiniro no). For example, “golden ornament” would be 金色の飾り (きんいろのかざり, kiniro no kazari).
Silver | Gin | 銀 (ぎん)
The word for silver is 銀色 (ぎんいろ, giniro). The kanji character 銀色 combines 銀 (ぎん, gin), meaning “silver,” and 色 (いろ, iro), meaning “color.” This can help you remember the sleek and elegant quality of silver.
銀色 (giniro) appears in various contexts. For example:
- 銀色の月 (ぎんいろのつき, giniro no tsuki) – silver moon
- 銀色の指輪 (ぎんいろのゆびわ, giniro no yubiwa) – silver ring
Silver in Japanese culture often symbolizes clarity, purity, and sophistication. It is a color that conveys modernity and elegance.
When describing something as silver, you use 銀色の (ぎんいろの, giniro no). For example, “silver car” would be 銀色の車 (ぎんいろのくるま, giniro no kuruma).
Brown | Cha | 茶色 (ちゃいろ)
The word for brown is 茶色 (ちゃいろ, chairo). The kanji character 茶色 combines 茶 (ちゃ, cha), meaning “tea,” and 色 (いろ, iro), meaning “color.” This can help you remember the earthy and warm quality of brown, reminiscent of the color of tea.
茶色 (chairo) appears in various contexts. For example:
- 茶色の靴 (ちゃいろのくつ, chairo no kutsu) – brown shoes
- 茶色の髪 (ちゃいろのかみ, chairo no kami) – brown hair
Brown in Japanese culture often symbolizes stability, reliability, and the earth. It is a color that conveys warmth and comfort.
When describing something as brown, you use 茶色の (ちゃいろの, chairo no). For example, “brown bag” would be 茶色のバッグ (ちゃいろのバッグ, chairo no baggu).
Rainbow | Niji | 虹 (にじ）
The word for rainbow is 虹 (にじ, niji). The kanji character 虹 is composed of the radical 虫 (むし, mushi), meaning “insect,” and the character 工 (こう, kō), representing “craft” or “work.” This can help you remember the colorful and wondrous quality of a rainbow, which seems to craft a bridge in the sky.
虹 (niji) appears in various contexts. For example:
- 虹を見る (にじをみる, niji o miru) – to see a rainbow
- 虹色のドレス (にじいろのドレス, nijiiro no doresu) – rainbow-colored dress
Rainbow in Japanese culture often symbolizes hope, beauty, and diversity. It is a color that conveys a sense of joy and wonder.
When describing something as rainbow-colored, you use 虹色の (にじいろの, nijiiro no). For example, “rainbow-colored bracelet” would be 虹色のブレスレット (にじいろのブレスレット, nijiiro no buresuretto).
Important color info!
By now, you may have noticed that in Japanese, some colors end with -い (-i) when they directly describe nouns, while others use の (no) when modifying nouns. Colors themselves can function as nouns but transform into adjectives when describing other nouns. Similar to English, where colors act as adjectives to describe nouns, Japanese uses connecting particles to link these colors with the nouns they describe, providing clarity and specificity in descriptions.
- い adjectives
- 赤い - あかい Red
- 青い - あおい Blue
- 黄色い - きんいろ Yellow
- 白い しろ- White
- 黒い－くろBlack
- の Adjectives
- 紫の – むらさき Purple
- 緑の – みどりGreen
- ピンクの – Pink
- 灰色の – はいいろGray
- オレンジの – Orange
- 茶色の – ちゃいろBrown
- 銀色の – ぎんいろSilver
- 金色の – きんいろGold
Once you take away the い or の the words themselves become nouns.
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