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[[File:Colors in Latin.png|alt=Colors in Latin|thumb|'''Colors in Latin''']]
<div class="pg_page_title">🎹 Name of Colors in Latin (with audio)</div>
[[File:latin_colors.png|thumb]]
Hello Latin learners,
Colors are an essential aspect of our daily lives and play a vital role in shaping our emotions, perceptions, and experiences. In Latin, the language of the ancient Romans, colors have their own unique names that not only reflect their visual appearance but also hold cultural significance. This page will introduce you to the vocabulary of colors in Latin, complete with audio pronunciation. Whether you are a student of the language, an enthusiast of Roman culture, or simply looking to expand your vocabulary, learning the names of colors in Latin can be a fun and engaging experience. With the help of audio pronunciation, you can not only learn the correct spelling of each color but also master the pronunciation like a native speaker. So, get ready to dive into the world of colors in Latin and enhance your language skills in a fun and interactive way!
 
* It should be noted that there are many variations for colors in Latin. 
* You will first find a limited list of colors and their pronunciation and at the end of the lesson a more comprehensive list.
 
__TOC__
__TOC__
==How to Say "Color" in Latin==
First, here is how to say "Colors" in Latin:
[[File:colores_latin.mp3]]
<blockquote>'''Colores''' [ko'lo'res]</blockquote>
==Main Colors in Latin (text and audio)==
The table below showcases the main colors in Latin, featuring both text and audio pronunciation.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
'''Latin'''
!
'''English'''
!'''Pronunciation (audio)'''
|-
|āter, ātra, ātrum
|black (like a  coal, not glossy); dark, gloomy
|[[File:alter_latin.mp3]]
|-
|niger, nigra, nigrum
|black (glossy); dark
|[[File:niger_latin.mp3]]
|-
|albus, a, um
|white (dead  white, not shining)
|[[File:albus_latin.mp3]]
|-
|candidus, a, um
|white (shining, dazzling)
|[[File:candidus_latin.mp3]]
|-
|ruber, rubra, rubrum
|red
|[[File:ruber_latin.mp3]]
|-
|rƫfus, a, um
|ruddy, red-haired
|[[File:rufus_latin.mp3]]
|-
|aurantius, a, um
|orange
|[[File:aurantius_latin.mp3]]
|-
|aureus, a, um
|golden, gold
|[[File:aureus_latin.mp3]]
|-
|flāvus, a, um*
|yellow, blond/e-haired  
|[[File:flavus_latin.mp3]]
|-
|lƫteus, a, um*
|yellow, saffron-colored
|[[File:luteus_latin.mp3]]
|-
|viridis, e
|green
|[[File:viridis_latin.mp3]]
|-
|caeruleus, a, um
|blue
|[[File:careuleus_latin.mp3]]
|-
|purpureus, a, um
|purple
|[[File:purpuleus_latin.mp3]]
|-
|roseus, a, um
|pink, rose
|[[File:roseus_latin.mp3]]
|-
|fuscus, a, um
|brown
|[[File:fuscus_latin.mp3]]
|-
|cānus, a, um
|gray, gray-haired
|[[File:canus_latin.mp3]]
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Both "lƫteus" and "flāvus" can be translated to mean "yellow" in English, but in Latin, they carry nuanced distinctions pertaining to different shades or implications of yellow.
# lƫteus: This term typically refers to a saffron or deep yellow color. It's derived from "lƫtum," which means "yellow dye" or "saffron."
# flāvus: This term generally refers to a yellow that might be likened to blonde or golden. In fact, "flāvus" is often used to describe blonde hair. The word has a broader use and might be associated with the colors of golden hair, wheat, or ripe grain.
So, while both terms indicate shades of yellow, the exact shade or context in which you'd use them can differ. If you're talking about blonde hair, for instance, "flāvus" would be more appropriate, but if you're referring to something with a saffron hue, "lƫteus" might be the better choice.


Hello everybody,
==Examples of Use==
This section provides examples of how these colors are used in Latin sentences, helping to understand the context and usage better.


In today's lesson you will learn some useful vocabulary about '''šCOLORSš''' in Latin
; āter, ātra, ātrum
: ''Vestis ātra'' - The garment is black (dark, gloomy).


Feel free to edit this page by adding new words and expressions !
; niger, nigra, nigrum
: ''Equus niger'' - The horse is glossy black.


Good learning ! :)
; albus, a, um
: ''Nix alba'' - The snow is white (dead white, not shining).


; candidus, a, um
: ''Luna candida'' - The moon is shining white.


; ruber, rubra, rubrum
: ''Rosa rubra'' - The rose is red.


== '''Colors in Latin''' ==
; rƫfus, a, um
: ''Capillus rƫfus'' - Red-haired.
 
; aurantius, a, um
: ''Caelum aurantium'' - The sky is orange at dawn.
 
; aureus, a, um
: ''Folium aureum'' - The leaf is golden.
 
; flāvus, a, um
: ''Coma flava'' - Blond hair.
 
; lƫteus, a, um
: ''Tunica lutea'' - A saffron-colored tunic.
 
; viridis, e
: ''Herba viridis'' - The grass is green.
 
; caeruleus, a, um
: ''Mare caeruleum'' - The sea is blue.
 
; purpureus, a, um
: ''Vestis purpurea'' - A purple garment.
 
; roseus, a, um
: ''Caelum roseum'' - The sky is pink at sunset.
 
; fuscus, a, um
: ''Terra fusca'' - The brown earth.
 
; cānus, a, um
: ''Canis cānus'' - A gray dog.
 
 
==Quiz==
Test your knowledge of the Latin colors with this short quiz. Choose the correct Latin term for each color described.
 
# What is the Latin word for 'glossy black'?
#:: a) āter
#:: b) niger
#:: c) albus
 
# Which term means 'shining white'?
#:: a) candidus
#:: b) lƫteus
#:: c) caeruleus
 
# How do you say 'green' in Latin?
#:: a) rƫfus
#:: b) viridis
#:: c) roseus
 
# If something is 'saffron-colored', it is:
#:: a) flāvus
#:: b) aurantius
#:: c) lƫteus
 
# What is the Latin word for 'purple'?
#:: a) purpureus
#:: b) fuscus
#:: c) aureus
 
==Quiz Solutions==
Here are the answers to the quiz on Latin colors:
 
1. What is the Latin word for 'glossy black'?
  Answer: b) niger
 
2. Which term means 'shining white'?
  Answer: a) candidus
 
3. How do you say 'green' in Latin?
  Answer: b) viridis
 
4. If something is 'saffron-colored', it is:
  Answer: c) lƫteus
 
5. What is the Latin word for 'purple'?
  Answer: a) purpureus
 
==Main Colors in Latin (video)==
<youtube>ts7n1xdQjP8</youtube>
 
 
== Comprehensive List of Colors in Latin ==
The following table provides a comprehensive list of colors in Latin, including their correct spelling and translation in English.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Latin
!English
|-
|-
|'''<big>ENGLISH</big>'''
|Ăąter, Ăątra, Ăątrum
|'''<big>LATIN</big>'''
|dull black
|'''<big>PRONUNCIATION IN</big>'''
'''<big>ENGLISH</big>'''
|'''<big>BRAZILIAN</big>'''
'''<big>PORTUGUESE</big>'''
|-
|-
|
|niger, nigra, nigrum
|
|glossy black
|
|
|-
|-
|black  (mas)
|piceus, -a, -um
|'''<big>niger</big>'''
|pitch black
|'''''nih jehr'''''
|preto
|-
|-
|black (fem)
|furvus, -a, -um
|'''<big>nigra</big>'''
|dark, black
|'''''nih grah'''''
|preta
|-
|-
|black (mas pl)
|pullus, -a, -um
|'''<big>nigri</big>'''
|dark-colored, dark gray
|'''''nih grih'''''
|pretos
|-
|-
|black (fem pl)
|viridis, -is, -e
|'''<big>nigrĂŠ</big>'''
|green (most common term)
|'''''nih grah ih'''''
|pretas
|-
|-
| 
|virĂȘns, -ntis
|'''<big> </big>'''
|green (some shade of)
|''''' '''''
| 
|-
|-
|white (mas) 
|viridulus, -a, -um
|'''<big>albus</big>'''
|green (some shade of)
|'''''ahl boos'''''
|branco
|-
|-
|white (fem)
|prasinus, -a, -um
|'''<big>alba</big>'''
|bright grass green, leek green
|'''''ahl bah'''''
|branca
|-
|-
|white (mas pl)
|smaragdinus, -a, -um
|'''<big>albi</big>'''
|emerald green
|'''''ahl bih'''''
|brancos
|-
|-
|white (fem pl)
|herbĂąceus, -a, -um
|'''<big>albĂŠ</big>'''
|grass green
|'''''ahl bah ih'''''
|brancas
|-
|-
| 
|olĂźvĂąceus, -a, -um
|'''<big> </big>'''
|olive green
|''''' '''''
| 
|-
|-
|red (mas)
|venetus, -a, -um
|'''<big>ruber</big>'''
|(deep) sea green
|'''''roo behr'''''
|vermelho
|-
|-
|red (fem)
|glaucus, -a, -um
|'''<big>rubra</big>'''
|(light) sea green
|'''''rou brah'''''
|vermelha
|-
|-
|red (mas pl)
|perviridis, -is, -e
|'''<big>rubri</big>'''
|very green
|'''''rou brih'''''
|vermelhos
|-
|-
|red (fem pl)
|chlĂŽrĂźnus, -a, -um
|'''<big>rubrĂŠ</big>'''
|chartreuse
|'''''rou brah ih'''''
|vermelhas
|-
|-
| 
|vireĂŽ, -ĂȘre, -uĂź
|'''<big> </big>'''
|to be green (of green foliage)
|''''' '''''
| 
|-
|-
|blue (mas) 
|viridĂȘns, -ntis
|'''<big>cĂŠruleus</big>'''
|green (of things growing)
|'''''keh rou leh oos'''''
|azul (mas)
|-
|-
|blue (fem)
|virĂȘscĂŽ, -ĂȘre
|'''<big>cĂŠrulea</big>'''
|to become green
|'''''keh rou leh ah'''''
|azul (fem)
|-
|-
|blue (mas pl)
|subviridis, -is, -e
|'''<big>cĂŠrulei</big>'''
|greenish
|'''''keh rou leh ih'''''
|azuis (mas pl)
|-
|-
|blue (fem pl)
|caeruleus, -a, -um
|'''<big>cĂŠrulĂŠ</big>'''
|sky-blue (esp. of eyes)
|'''''keh rou lah ih'''''
|azuis (fem pl)
|-
|-
| 
|subcaeruleus
|'''<big> </big>'''
|bluish
|''''' '''''
| 
|-
|-
|yellow (mas)
|cĂżaneus, -a, -um
|'''<big>flavus</big>'''
|dark blue
|'''''flah voos'''''
|amarelo
|-
|-
|yellow (fem)
|lĂźvidus, -a, -um
|'''<big>flava</big>'''
|leaden blue
|'''''flah vah'''''
|amarela
|-
|-
|yellow (mas pl)
|venetus, -a, -um
|'''<big>flavi</big>'''
|azure blue
|'''''flah vih'''''
|amarelos
|-
|-
|yellow (fem pl)
|caesius, -a, -um
|'''<big>flavĂŠ</big>'''
|bluish gray (pale blue, with a slight mixture of gray)
|'''''flah vah ih'''''
|amarelas
|-
|-
| 
|violĂąceus, -a, -um
|'''<big> </big>'''
|mauve;  violet
|''''' '''''
| 
|-
|-
|green (mas)
|purpureus, -a, -um
|'''<big>viridis</big>'''
|purple (dull red with a slight dash of blue)
|'''''vih rih dihs'''''
|verde (mas)
|-
|-
|green (fem)
|rûfus, -a, -um
|'''<big>viridis</big>'''
|red (all shades)
|'''''vih rih dihs'''''
|verde (fem)
|-
|-
|green (mas pl)
|ruber, -bra, -brum
|'''<big>virides</big>'''
|red (common term for any pure red)
|'''''vih rih dehs'''''
|verdes (mas pl)
|-
|-
|green (fem pl)
|sanguineus, -a, -um
|'''<big>virides</big>'''
|blood red
|'''''vih rih dehs'''''
|verdes (fem pl)
|-
|-
| 
|rutilus, -a, -um
|'''<big> </big>'''
|bright red
|''''' '''''
| 
|-
|-
|brown (mas)
|cardinĂąlis, -is, -e
|'''<big>aquilus</big>'''
|cardinal red
|'''''ah kou ih loos'''''
|marron (mas)
|-
|-
|brown (fem)
|rubidus, -a, -um
|'''<big>aquila</big>'''
|dark red
|'''''ah kou ih lah'''''
|marron (fem)
|-
|-
|brown (mas pl)
|cerasinus, -a, -um
|'''<big>aquili</big>'''
|cherry-red
|'''''ah kou ih lih'''''
|marrons (mas pl)
|-
|-
|brown (fem pl)
|coccineus, -a, -um
|'''<big>aquilĂŠ</big>'''
|crimson;  deep red;  vermilion
|'''''ah kou ih lah ih'''''
|marrons (fem pl)
|}
 
=== '''Colors-Colores''' ===
In this lesson we will learn  the adjectives of colors in Latin. Below is a list of colors in English their equivalents and pronunciation in Latin
 
Colors =  Colores [ko'lo'res] in Latin 
 
{| class="wikitable"
!Colors
!Colors in Latin
!Pronunciation
|-
|-
|Black
|phoenĂźceus, -a, -um
|'''<big>Ater, Niger</big>'''
|pure lively red
|'''''[a'ter],[ni'ger]'''''
|-
|-
|White
|russus, -a, -um
|'''<big>Albus, Candidus</big>'''
|red, russet
|'''''[al'bus][kandi'dus]'''''
|-
|-
|Red
|miniĂątus, -a, -um
|'''<big>Ruber</big>'''
|scarlet
|'''''[ru'ber]'''''
|-
|-
|Green
|roseus, -a, -um
|'''<big>Viridis</big>'''
|pink
|'''''[wi'ri'dis]'''''
|-
|-
|Yellow
|pûniceus, -a, -um
|'''<big>Flavus</big>'''
|pink;  pure lively red
|'''''[fla'wus]'''''
|-
|-
|Blue
|subroseus, -a, -um
|'''<big>Caeruleus</big>'''
|pinkish
|'''''[ke'ru'li'us]'''''
|-
|-
|Grey
|subruber, -bra, -brum
|'''<big>Ravus</big>'''
|reddish
|'''''[ra'wus]'''''
|-
|-
|Silver
|rubellus, -a, -um
|'''<big>Argenteus</big>'''
|reddish
|'''''[ar'gen'te'us]'''''
|-
|-
|Gold
|subrûfus, -a, -um
|'''<big>Aureus</big>'''
|reddish
|'''''[au're'us]'''''
|-
|-
|Pink
|rûfulus, -a, -um
|'''''<big>Roseus</big>'''''
|reddish (of hair)
|'''''[ru'se'us]'''''
|-
|-
|Brown
|rubicundus, -a, -um
|'''<big>Brunneus, fuscus</big>'''
|reddish (of the skin;  flushed)
|'''''[bru'ne'us] [fus'kus]'''''
|}
 
<div style="font-size:300%">Vocabulary about colors in Latin</div>
[[File:rome_27_395.png|thumb]]
__TOC__
== Colors in Latin ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!
|rĂŽbĂźginĂŽsus, -a, -um
Latin
|rust-colored
!
English
|-
|-
|āter, ātra, ātrum
|armeniacus, -a, -um
|black (like a  coal, not glossy); dark, gloomy
|dull orange (apricot-color)
|-
|-
|niger, nigra, nigrum
|fulvus, -a, -um
|black (glossy); dark
|hazel (light to strong brown)
|-
|-
|albus, a, um
|cervĂźnus, -a, -um
|white (dead  white, not shining)
|tawny (darker brown than ''fulvus'')
|-
|-
|candidus, a, um
|brunneus, -a, -um
|white (shining, dazzling)
|brown (of Germanic origin)
|-
|-
|ruber, rubra, rubrum
|spĂądĂźx, -Ăźcis
|red
|chestnut;  strong brown
 
|-
|-
|rƫfus, a, um
|badius, -a, -um
|ruddy, red-haired
|chestnut (of horses only)
|-
|-
|aurantius, a, um
|fuscus, -a, -um
|orange
|dark brown
|-
|-
|aureus, a, um
|spĂądĂźceus, -a, -um
|golden, gold
|bright brown
|-
|-
|flāvus, a, um
|gilvus, -a, -um (gilbus)
|yellow, blond/e-haired  
|dun-colored, pale yellow
|-
|-
|lƫteus, a, um
|carneus, -a, -um
|yellow
|flesh-colored
|-
|-
|viridis, e
|aurantius, -a, -um
|green
|orange
|-
|-
|caeruleus, a, um
|lûteus, -a, -um
|blue
|orange;  deep yellow (like egg yolk)
|-
|purpureus, a, um
|purple
|-
|-
|roseus, a, um
|vitellĂźnus, -a, -um
|pink, rose
|deep yellow (like egg yolk [''vitellus''])
|-
|-
|fuscus, a, um
|flammeus, -a, -um
|brown
|flame-colored
|-
|-
|cānus, a, um
|electricus, -a, -um
|gray, gray-haired
|amber
|}
 
==Sentences ==
{| class="wikitable"
!'''Latin'''
!'''English'''
|-
|-
|Magistra in  tabulā atrā scrībit.
|citreus, -a, -um
|The teacher  writes on the blackboard.  
|lemon yellow (purest yellow, without any brightness)
|-
|-
|capillus niger
|aureus, -a, -um
|black hair
|golden (of hair)
|-
|-
|fēmina capillīs nigrīs
|aureolus, -a, -um
|a woman with  black hair
|golden
|-
|-
|Equī nigrī in  agrīs viridibus currunt.
|flĂąvus, -a, -um
|The black horses  run in the green fields.  
|yellow (commonest term, a pale yellow)
|-
|-
|In ātrā nocte  multƍs colƍrēs nƍn vidēmus.
|flĂąvidus, -a, -um
|We do not see  many colors in the black night.
|yellowish
|-
|-
|Suntne avēs candidae aut nigrae?
|sufflĂąvus, -a, -um
|Are the birds  white or black?
|yellowish (of hair, approaching blond)
|-
|-
|Ovis est alba, nƍn  ātra.
|rĂąvus, -a, -um
|The sheep is  white, not black.  
|yellowish gray
|-
|-
|Nix est candida.
|crĂȘtĂąceus, -a, -um
|The snow is  dazzling white.
|dull white (like chalk [''crĂȘta''])
|-
|-
|Puella mālum rubrum edit.
|albus, -a, -um
|The girl eats the  red apple.
|dead white
|-
|-
|Avis est rubra.
|candidus, -a, -um
|The bird is red.
|shiny white
|-
|-
|album ƍvÄ«
|niveus, -a, -um
|the white of an  egg
|snow white (the purest white)
|-
|-
|album oculī
|subalbus, -a, -um
|the white of the  eye
|whitish
|-
|-
|Aqua est caerulea;  caelum est caeruleum.
|albulus, -a, -um
|The water is  blue; the sky is blue.
|whitish
|-
|-
|Canis LĆ«ciae est fuscus.
|subalbidus, -a, -um
|Lucia’s dog is brown.
|whitish
|-
|-
|Barbarus est rƫfus;  senator est cānus; puella est flāva.
|eburneus, -a, -um (& -nus)
|The barbarian is  ruddy/red-haired; the senator is gray-haired; the girl is blonde.
|cream-colored
|-
|-
|In vÄ«llā flāvā habitƍ.
|argenteus, -a, -um
|I live in a  yellow farmhouse.
|silvery
|-
|-
|Lƫteum ovī
|cĂąnus, -a, -um
|the yolk of an  egg
|light gray (esp. hair)
|-
|-
|Pāpiliƍ purpureus pulcher est.
|cĂąnĂŽ capite esse
|The purple  butterfly is pretty.
|to be gray-haired
|-
|-
|ĆȘva est purpurea;  vÄ«num est purpureum.
|cĂąnĂȘscĂŽ, -uĂź
|The grape is  purple; the wine is purple.  
|to become gray
|-
|-
|Prīmā lƫce caelum  est roseum.
|cĂąneĂŽ, cĂąnĂȘre, cĂąnuĂź
|At dawn (first  light) the sky is pink.
|to become light gray
|-
|-
|Hortus viridis manet.
|cinereus, -a, -um
|The garden remains green.
|ash-gray
|-
|-
|Virent ƍva! Viret perna!!
|cĂąnĂȘscĂȘns, -ntis
|Green Eggs and Ham
|grayish
|}
|}


{{Related-Latin-Lessons}}
==Sources==
* http://www.harbornet.com/folks/theedrich/Colores/Colores.htm
* https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Latin/Colors


{{#seo:
|title=🎹The Colors in Latin
|description=Here is a lesson to learn how to write and pronounce the colors in Latin. Level: beginner.
|og:image=https://polyglotclub.com/wiki/images/1/18/Latin_colors.png
}}


=== '''Video''' ===
==Other Latin Lessons==
[[File:latin-colors.jpg|thumb]]
* [[Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Animal|Animal]]
<youtube>ts7n1xdQjP8</youtube>
* [[Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Words-and-Expressions-Latin|Words and Expressions Latin]]
* [[Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Feelings-and-Emotions|Feelings and Emotions]]
* [[Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Fruits|Fruits]]
* [[Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Dinner-Table|Dinner Table]]
* [[Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Numbers|Numbers]]
* [[Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Parts-of-the-Body|Parts of the Body]]
* [[Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Days-of-the-Week|Days of the Week]]
* [[Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Asking-Directions|Asking Directions]]
* [[Language/Latin/Vocabulary/Camping|Camping]]
<span links></span>

Latest revision as of 21:15, 12 November 2023

🎹 Name of Colors in Latin (with audio)
Latin colors.png

Hello Latin learners, Colors are an essential aspect of our daily lives and play a vital role in shaping our emotions, perceptions, and experiences. In Latin, the language of the ancient Romans, colors have their own unique names that not only reflect their visual appearance but also hold cultural significance. This page will introduce you to the vocabulary of colors in Latin, complete with audio pronunciation. Whether you are a student of the language, an enthusiast of Roman culture, or simply looking to expand your vocabulary, learning the names of colors in Latin can be a fun and engaging experience. With the help of audio pronunciation, you can not only learn the correct spelling of each color but also master the pronunciation like a native speaker. So, get ready to dive into the world of colors in Latin and enhance your language skills in a fun and interactive way!

  • It should be noted that there are many variations for colors in Latin.
  • You will first find a limited list of colors and their pronunciation and at the end of the lesson a more comprehensive list.

How to Say "Color" in Latin[edit | edit source]

First, here is how to say "Colors" in Latin:

Colores [ko'lo'res]

Main Colors in Latin (text and audio)[edit | edit source]

The table below showcases the main colors in Latin, featuring both text and audio pronunciation.


Latin

English

Pronunciation (audio)
āter, ātra, ātrum black (like a coal, not glossy); dark, gloomy
niger, nigra, nigrum black (glossy); dark
albus, a, um white (dead white, not shining)
candidus, a, um white (shining, dazzling)
ruber, rubra, rubrum red
rƫfus, a, um ruddy, red-haired
aurantius, a, um orange
aureus, a, um golden, gold
flāvus, a, um* yellow, blond/e-haired  
lƫteus, a, um* yellow, saffron-colored
viridis, e green
caeruleus, a, um blue
purpureus, a, um purple
roseus, a, um pink, rose
fuscus, a, um brown
cānus, a, um gray, gray-haired

*Both "lƫteus" and "flāvus" can be translated to mean "yellow" in English, but in Latin, they carry nuanced distinctions pertaining to different shades or implications of yellow.

  1. lƫteus: This term typically refers to a saffron or deep yellow color. It's derived from "lƫtum," which means "yellow dye" or "saffron."
  2. flāvus: This term generally refers to a yellow that might be likened to blonde or golden. In fact, "flāvus" is often used to describe blonde hair. The word has a broader use and might be associated with the colors of golden hair, wheat, or ripe grain.

So, while both terms indicate shades of yellow, the exact shade or context in which you'd use them can differ. If you're talking about blonde hair, for instance, "flāvus" would be more appropriate, but if you're referring to something with a saffron hue, "lƫteus" might be the better choice.

Examples of Use[edit | edit source]

This section provides examples of how these colors are used in Latin sentences, helping to understand the context and usage better.

āter, ātra, ātrum
Vestis ātra - The garment is black (dark, gloomy).
niger, nigra, nigrum
Equus niger - The horse is glossy black.
albus, a, um
Nix alba - The snow is white (dead white, not shining).
candidus, a, um
Luna candida - The moon is shining white.
ruber, rubra, rubrum
Rosa rubra - The rose is red.
rƫfus, a, um
Capillus rƫfus - Red-haired.
aurantius, a, um
Caelum aurantium - The sky is orange at dawn.
aureus, a, um
Folium aureum - The leaf is golden.
flāvus, a, um
Coma flava - Blond hair.
lƫteus, a, um
Tunica lutea - A saffron-colored tunic.
viridis, e
Herba viridis - The grass is green.
caeruleus, a, um
Mare caeruleum - The sea is blue.
purpureus, a, um
Vestis purpurea - A purple garment.
roseus, a, um
Caelum roseum - The sky is pink at sunset.
fuscus, a, um
Terra fusca - The brown earth.
cānus, a, um
Canis cānus - A gray dog.


Quiz[edit | edit source]

Test your knowledge of the Latin colors with this short quiz. Choose the correct Latin term for each color described.

  1. What is the Latin word for 'glossy black'?
    a) āter
    b) niger
    c) albus
  1. Which term means 'shining white'?
    a) candidus
    b) lƫteus
    c) caeruleus
  1. How do you say 'green' in Latin?
    a) rƫfus
    b) viridis
    c) roseus
  1. If something is 'saffron-colored', it is:
    a) flāvus
    b) aurantius
    c) lƫteus
  1. What is the Latin word for 'purple'?
    a) purpureus
    b) fuscus
    c) aureus

Quiz Solutions[edit | edit source]

Here are the answers to the quiz on Latin colors:

1. What is the Latin word for 'glossy black'? 

  Answer: b) niger

2. Which term means 'shining white'? 

  Answer: a) candidus

3. How do you say 'green' in Latin? 

  Answer: b) viridis

4. If something is 'saffron-colored', it is: 

  Answer: c) lƫteus

5. What is the Latin word for 'purple'? 

  Answer: a) purpureus

Main Colors in Latin (video)[edit | edit source]


Comprehensive List of Colors in Latin[edit | edit source]

The following table provides a comprehensive list of colors in Latin, including their correct spelling and translation in English.

Latin English
Ăąter, Ăątra, Ăątrum dull black
niger, nigra, nigrum glossy black
piceus, -a, -um pitch black
furvus, -a, -um dark, black
pullus, -a, -um dark-colored, dark gray
viridis, -is, -e green (most common term)
virĂȘns, -ntis green (some shade of)
viridulus, -a, -um green (some shade of)
prasinus, -a, -um bright grass green, leek green
smaragdinus, -a, -um emerald green
herbĂąceus, -a, -um grass green
olĂźvĂąceus, -a, -um olive green
venetus, -a, -um (deep) sea green
glaucus, -a, -um (light) sea green
perviridis, -is, -e very green
chlĂŽrĂźnus, -a, -um chartreuse
vireĂŽ, -ĂȘre, -uĂź to be green (of green foliage)
viridĂȘns, -ntis green (of things growing)
virĂȘscĂŽ, -ĂȘre to become green
subviridis, -is, -e greenish
caeruleus, -a, -um sky-blue (esp. of eyes)
subcaeruleus bluish
cĂżaneus, -a, -um dark blue
lĂźvidus, -a, -um leaden blue
venetus, -a, -um azure blue
caesius, -a, -um bluish gray (pale blue, with a slight mixture of gray)
violĂąceus, -a, -um mauve;  violet
purpureus, -a, -um purple (dull red with a slight dash of blue)
rûfus, -a, -um red (all shades)
ruber, -bra, -brum red (common term for any pure red)
sanguineus, -a, -um blood red
rutilus, -a, -um bright red
cardinĂąlis, -is, -e cardinal red
rubidus, -a, -um dark red
cerasinus, -a, -um cherry-red
coccineus, -a, -um crimson;  deep red;  vermilion
phoenĂźceus, -a, -um pure lively red
russus, -a, -um red, russet
miniĂątus, -a, -um scarlet
roseus, -a, -um pink
pĂ»niceus, -a, -um pink;  pure lively red
subroseus, -a, -um pinkish
subruber, -bra, -brum reddish
rubellus, -a, -um reddish
subrûfus, -a, -um reddish
rûfulus, -a, -um reddish (of hair)
rubicundus, -a, -um reddish (of the skin;  flushed)
rĂŽbĂźginĂŽsus, -a, -um rust-colored
armeniacus, -a, -um dull orange (apricot-color)
fulvus, -a, -um hazel (light to strong brown)
cervĂźnus, -a, -um tawny (darker brown than fulvus)
brunneus, -a, -um brown (of Germanic origin)
spĂądĂźx, -Ăźcis chestnut;  strong brown
badius, -a, -um chestnut (of horses only)
fuscus, -a, -um dark brown
spĂądĂźceus, -a, -um bright brown
gilvus, -a, -um (gilbus) dun-colored, pale yellow
carneus, -a, -um flesh-colored
aurantius, -a, -um orange
lĂ»teus, -a, -um orange;  deep yellow (like egg yolk)
vitellĂźnus, -a, -um deep yellow (like egg yolk [vitellus])
flammeus, -a, -um flame-colored
electricus, -a, -um amber
citreus, -a, -um lemon yellow (purest yellow, without any brightness)
aureus, -a, -um golden (of hair)
aureolus, -a, -um golden
flĂąvus, -a, -um yellow (commonest term, a pale yellow)
flĂąvidus, -a, -um yellowish
sufflĂąvus, -a, -um yellowish (of hair, approaching blond)
rĂąvus, -a, -um yellowish gray
crĂȘtĂąceus, -a, -um dull white (like chalk [crĂȘta])
albus, -a, -um dead white
candidus, -a, -um shiny white
niveus, -a, -um snow white (the purest white)
subalbus, -a, -um whitish
albulus, -a, -um whitish
subalbidus, -a, -um whitish
eburneus, -a, -um (& -nus) cream-colored
argenteus, -a, -um silvery
cĂąnus, -a, -um light gray (esp. hair)
cĂąnĂŽ capite esse to be gray-haired
cĂąnĂȘscĂŽ, -uĂź to become gray
cĂąneĂŽ, cĂąnĂȘre, cĂąnuĂź to become light gray
cinereus, -a, -um ash-gray
cĂąnĂȘscĂȘns, -ntis grayish

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