Dictionary
English - Korean

Color

ˈkələr
Extremely common
600 - 700
600 - 700
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

색깔 (saekkkal), 컬러 (keolleo), 채색 (chaesaek), 색조 (saekjo), 색 (saek)

Color meanings in Korean

색깔 (saekkkal)

Example:
What is your favorite color?
당신이 가장 좋아하는 색깔은 무엇인가요?
The sky is a beautiful blue color.
하늘은 아름다운 파란색입니다.
Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday conversation to describe hues and shades.
Note: The word '색깔' is commonly used to refer to colors in general.

컬러 (keolleo)

Example:
This painting is full of vibrant colors.
이 그림은 생동감 넘치는 컬러로 가득 차 있습니다.
I prefer to wear colors that suit my skin tone.
나는 내 피부 톤에 맞는 컬러를 입는 것을 선호합니다.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Often used in artistic or design contexts.
Note: '컬러' is a loanword from English and is often used in modern contexts.

채색 (chaesaek)

Example:
He enjoys coloring books with different colors.
그는 다양한 색깔로 색칠하는 책을 즐깁니다.
The artist used bright colors in her work.
그 예술가는 그녀의 작품에서 밝은 채색을 사용했습니다.
Usage: formalContext: Used in artistic contexts, often related to the act of coloring.
Note: '채색' refers specifically to the act of applying colors or painting.

색조 (saekjo)

Example:
This fabric comes in several shades of color.
이 천은 여러 색조로 제공됩니다.
The color tone of this wall is too dark.
이 벽의 색조가 너무 어두워요.
Usage: formalContext: Used in discussions about shades and tones in color theory.
Note: '색조' refers to the variations or tones within a color.

색 (saek)

Example:
Red is a strong color.
빨강은 강한 색입니다.
The color of the leaves changes in autumn.
가을에는 나뭇잎의 색이 변합니다.
Usage: informal/formalContext: A general term for color, used in various contexts.
Note: '색' is the simplest form and can refer to color in a broad sense.

Color's synonyms

hue

Hue refers to a particular shade or tint of a color.
Example: She painted the walls a bright hue of blue.
Note: Hue specifically refers to the attribute of a color by virtue of which it is discernible as red, green, blue, etc.

shade

Shade refers to a variation of a color by adding black to it.
Example: He preferred a darker shade of green for his car.
Note: Shade specifically refers to the darkness or lightness of a color, often achieved by adding black.

tint

Tint refers to a slight or pale coloring of a color.
Example: She added a pink tint to the frosting.
Note: Tint specifically refers to a slight coloration or variation of a color, often achieved by adding white.

tone

Tone refers to a particular quality, color, or shading of a color.
Example: The artist used various tones of yellow in the painting.
Note: Tone specifically refers to the particular quality or character of a color, especially in terms of lightness or darkness.

pigment

Pigment refers to a substance that gives color to a material.
Example: The pigment used in this paint is environmentally friendly.
Note: Pigment specifically refers to the coloring substance itself, often used in paints, inks, and dyes.

Color expressions, common phrases

Colorful language

This phrase refers to the use of profanity or strong language.
Example: She used colorful language when she was angry.
Note: The term 'colorful' here implies vivid or intense language, rather than a literal reference to colors.

See the world through rose-colored glasses

To see things in a overly optimistic or positive way, ignoring any negative aspects.
Example: She always sees the world through rose-colored glasses, believing everything is perfect.
Note: The phrase uses 'rose-colored glasses' metaphorically to describe a positive outlook, rather than referring to actual colors.

A horse of a different color

Refers to a different matter or situation than the one previously mentioned.
Example: I thought he was talking about the economy, but he was really discussing politics - a horse of a different color!
Note: The phrase uses 'color' metaphorically to indicate a change in topic or situation.

Give color to something

To make something more interesting or vivid by adding details or embellishments.
Example: His storytelling really gave color to the historical events he described.
Note: In this context, 'color' enhances the richness or depth of a story or description.

Nail your colors to the mast

To make your opinions or allegiances clear and public.
Example: She nailed her colors to the mast by openly supporting the new policy.
Note: The phrase originates from naval warfare where ships would nail their flag (colors) to the mast to show their allegiance, not referring to literal colors.

True colors

Someone's true character, intentions, or beliefs that are revealed in a particular situation.
Example: It was only after the crisis that his true colors were revealed.
Note: The phrase explores the essence or reality of a person rather than just their outward appearance or color.

In living color

Refers to something being filmed or presented in full and vivid color.
Example: The film was shot in living color, capturing the vibrant scenery beautifully.
Note: The term 'living color' emphasizes the vividness and realism of the colors being depicted.

Color everyday (slang) expressions

Blacked out

This slang term means something is completely dark or without color, often used to describe a situation where all light is lost.
Example: The power went out, so the whole street was blacked out.
Note: This term refers specifically to darkness or lack of color and is not related to the term 'black' meaning the color black.

Fade

To fade means to lose intensity or vibrancy, commonly used in reference to colors losing their brightness or becoming lighter.
Example: Her hair color started to fade after weeks under the sun.
Note: In this context, fade is related to color losing its hue, not to be confused with the normal meaning of gradually disappearing or becoming less noticeable.

Pop of color

A pop of color refers to adding a bold, bright, or contrasting color to something to make it stand out or draw attention.
Example: She added a pop of color to her outfit with a bright yellow scarf.
Note: This expression emphasizes the sudden appearance of a vivid color, enhancing the overall visual impact of an object or a scene.

Faded

Faded typically describes colors that have lost their original brightness or vibrancy, often due to prolonged exposure to light or other elements.
Example: The painting on the wall looked faded after years of exposure to sunlight.
Note: In this context, the word faded is specifically used to describe colors that have become less intense over time and is not related to the broader usage of fading.

Splash of color

Similar to a pop of color, a splash of color refers to adding a bright or vivid color to something to create contrast or draw attention.
Example: The artist added a splash of color to the otherwise monochrome painting.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the addition of color in a dynamic or striking way, often used in visual arts and design.

Blurred lines

Blurred lines refer to a situation where distinctions or boundaries between different colors, ideas, or concepts become unclear or indistinct.
Example: The boundaries between the colors in the painting were so blurred that it created a mesmerizing effect.
Note: This expression extends the meaning of 'blurred' beyond its usual association with visual clarity, highlighting ambiguity or complexity.

Color me surprised

This phrase is a whimsical way to express surprise or shock at a revelation or unexpected event.
Example: Color me surprised when I found out who the anonymous donor was!
Note: The phrase plays on the idea of figuratively coloring oneself in response to a surprising situation, adding a humorous or playful tone to the expression of surprise.

Color - Examples

The color of the sky is blue.
하늘의 색깔은 파란색입니다.
She mixed different colors to create a new shade.
그녀는 새로운 색조를 만들기 위해 다양한 색깔을 섞었습니다.
The artist used a lot of paint to color the canvas.
그 예술가는 캔버스를 색칠하기 위해 많은 물감을 사용했습니다.

Color grammar

Color - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: color
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): colors, color
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): color
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): colored
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): coloring
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): colors
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): color
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): color
Syllables, Separation and Stress
color Contains 2 syllables: col • or
Phonetic transcription: ˈkə-lər
col or , ˈkə lər (The red syllable is stressed)

Color - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
color: 600 - 700 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy helps you discover, organize, and learn new words and phrases with ease. Build personalized vocabulary collections, and practice anytime, anywhere.