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How to Say "pink" in Spanish

English → Spanish

rosa

ROH-sahˈro.sa

adjectiveA1general
Use 'rosa' when referring to the color itself as a general concept or when describing an object's color in a straightforward manner.
A simple, perfectly round sphere colored entirely in a bright pink hue.

Examples

Ella compró una camisa rosa.

She bought a pink shirt.

Los globos son de color rosa brillante.

The balloons are bright pink.

Pintaron las paredes de rosa.

They painted the walls pink.

Color Adjective Rule (Invariable)

When 'rosa' is used to describe a color, it usually stays the same (invariable), meaning it does not change to match the gender or number of the thing it describes. You say 'camisa rosa' (singular, feminine) and 'libros rosa' (plural, masculine).

Making it Plural

Mistake: “Compraron unas flores rosas.”

Correction: Compraron unas flores rosa. (The color 'rosa' often acts like a noun describing a color, so it doesn't usually take an 's'.)

rosado

roh-SAH-dohroˈsaðo

adjectiveA1general
Use 'rosado' when you want to emphasize that something has a pinkish hue or a lighter shade of pink, often implying a softer or more delicate quality.
A single pink tulip flower standing in a simple vase.

Examples

Tengo una camisa rosada muy bonita.

I have a very pretty pink shirt.

El cielo se puso rosado durante el atardecer.

The sky turned pink during the sunset.

Sus mejillas estaban rosadas por el frío del invierno.

Her cheeks were rosy because of the winter cold.

Matching the Object

Since this word is a descriptor, it must change to match what you are talking about. Use 'rosado' for masculine things (un carro rosado) and 'rosada' for feminine things (una flor rosada).

Plural Forms

If you are describing more than one thing, add an 's'. Use 'rosados' for a group of masculine items and 'rosadas' for feminine items.

Using 'Rosa' vs 'Rosado'

Mistake: “La camisa es rosado.”

Correction: La camisa es rosada. (Or: La camisa es rosa).

Rosa vs. Rosado Nuances

Learners often wonder if there's a strict rule between 'rosa' and 'rosado'. While 'rosa' is the most common and versatile, 'rosado' can sometimes add a subtle nuance of a lighter or softer shade. Don't overthink it; 'rosa' is usually the safest bet if unsure.

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