Colors

1. 赤

   Aka

   Red

   Grammar Note

   Native Japanese color word (wago). "Akai" is the adjective form. Red is auspicious and used for celebrations

2. オレンジ

   Orenji

   Orange

   Grammar Note

   Loanword from English. The native Japanese form is "daidaiiro" (橙色). "Orenji" is used in daily life

3. 黄色

   Kiiro

   Yellow

   Grammar Note

   "Ki" is the original native Japanese word for yellow; "iro" means color. Adjective form is "kiiroi"

4. 緑

   Midori

   Green

   Grammar Note

   Classically, "ao" (blue) covered both blue and green. Modern Japanese uses "midori" for green, "ao" for blue

5. 紺色

   Kon'iro

   Dark blue / Navy

   Grammar Note

   "Kon" is a deep indigo-blue. A traditional Japanese color name used for uniforms and judo gi

6. 空色

   Sorairo

   Sky blue

   Grammar Note

   Literally "sky color". "Mizuiro" (water color) is another common word for light blue in Japanese

7. 紫

   Murasaki

   Purple

   Grammar Note

   Historically the color of nobility; only the highest-ranking aristocrats wore it in the Heian era

8. ピンク

   Pinku

   Pink

   Grammar Note

   Loanword from English. The native form is "momoiro" (peach color). Sakura pink is called "sakurairo"

9. 茶色

   Chairo

   Brown

   Grammar Note

   Literally "tea color", from the color of tea. "Cha" (tea) is culturally significant through the tea ceremony

10. 白

    Shiro

    White

    Grammar Note

    Native Japanese word. Symbolizes cleanliness, purity, and the sacred. Used in Shinto priest robes and wedding kimonos

11. 黒

    Kuro

    Black

    Grammar Note

    Native Japanese word. Adjective form is "kuroi". Used for formal wear, mourning dress, and black belts in martial arts

12. グレー・灰色

    Gurē / Haiiro

    Gray

    Grammar Note

    "Haiiro" is native Japanese meaning "ash color". "Gurē" is a loanword from English and is widely used

13. 青

    Ao

    Blue

    Grammar Note

    Native Japanese color word (wago), typified by clear sky and water. "Aoi" is the adjective form. Deep blue is "kon'iro" and sky blue is "sorairo", each on its own card

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