color
/koh-lohr/
color
The most common meaning of 'color' refers to the visual property of objects, like the hues seen in a rainbow.
color(Noun)
color
?The visual property of objects, like red, blue, etc.
hue
?A specific shade or tint
,dye
?A substance used to change something's color
📝 In Action
¿Cuál es tu color favorito?
A1What is your favorite color?
El color del cielo es azul.
A1The color of the sky is blue.
Me gusta la camisa, pero no el color.
A2I like the shirt, but not the color.
💡 Grammar Points
It's a Masculine Word
Even though it ends in '-or' and not '-o', 'color' is a masculine word. This means you always say 'el color' (the color) or 'un color' (a color).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'la' instead of 'el'
Mistake: "Me gusta la color de tu coche."
Correction: Me gusta el color de tu coche. Remember that 'color' is masculine, so it needs the masculine word 'el' before it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Things
To describe the color of something, you can say it's 'de color' + the color name. For example, 'una camisa de color azul' (a blue-colored shirt). Or, more simply, just 'una camisa azul'.
Figuratively, 'color' can refer to the distinctive character or tone of a person or situation.
color(Noun)
character
?The nature or tone of a situation
aspect
?A particular feature or quality
,tinge
?A slight trace of a quality, often political or emotional
📝 In Action
La reunión tomó un color inesperado cuando empezaron a gritar.
B2The meeting took on an unexpected character when they started shouting.
Sus palabras dieron un nuevo color a la situación.
C1His words gave a new aspect to the situation.
Es un asunto de un fuerte color político.
C1It's an issue with a strong political tinge.
⭐ Usage Tips
For Abstract Ideas
This meaning is used for abstract things like situations, events, or opinions, not physical objects. It describes the 'feel' or 'vibe' of something.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: color
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'color' to talk about the character or nature of something, not its appearance?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'color' masculine ('el color') if it doesn't end in -o?
Many Spanish nouns that end in '-or' are masculine. It's a common pattern you'll see with words like 'el amor' (love), 'el dolor' (pain), and 'el sabor' (flavor). The best way is to just remember 'el color' as a set phrase.
What's the difference between 'color' and 'colorear'?
'Color' is the noun, the thing itself (like the color blue). 'Colorear' is the verb, which is the action of adding color to something, like what a child does in a coloring book.