Don’t Be Blue! Discover Colors in French (List, Pronunciation, Names, With Gender)

Ah, colors! They liven up our world, sparking creativity and even influencing our emotions. Learning their names in a new language like French is a whole new level of description and expression. But don’t worry, language enthusiasts! This blog will help you explore the colorful world of French, from basic colors to exciting nuances, along with proper French pronunciation and gender. So, ditch the feeling of being “bleu” (blue) and get ready to paint your French vocabulary with a rainbow of colors. Ready, set, lingo!

List of Common Colors in French

See below the most common colors in French and their pronunciation. Please note that French is a language where nouns have either a masculine or feminine gender, unlike English. When you use colors to describe nouns, they must be according to the gender and number of what they describe to agree with the noun. 

English Color	French Color	French Pronunciation
Red	Rouge	roozh
Blue	Bleu/Bleue	bluh
Green	Vert/Verte	vehr/vehrt
Yellow	Jaune	zhawn
Orange	Orange	Oh-rahnzh
Pink	Rose	Rose
White	Blanc/Blanche	blahng/blahnsh
Black	Noir/Noire	nwahr
Grey	Gris/Grise	gree/greez
Brown	Marron	mah-rohng
Purple	Violet	vee-oh-lay

Pronunciation Pointers

French pronunciation can initially feel tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro! Here’s a quick guide to pronouncing some key colors in French:

• eu sound (like “uh” in “burn”): bleu, turquoise
• oi sound (like “wa” in “swallow”): noir, orange
• j sound (like the “s” in “pleasure”): jaune, beige
• Silent “e”: Many color adjectives have a silent “e” at the end, especially in the feminine and plural forms. Don’t pronounce it! For example, “une robe rouge” (a red dress) sounds like “oon rohboo roozh.”

Also Read: Counting From 1 to 100: A Journey in French Numbers

Gender Agreements with Colors in French

French throws a twist into the mix with gender agreements. Here’s the key: color adjectives (like the words in our list) must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe.

Masculine vs. Feminine

For masculine nouns, the color adjective usually stays the same. (un livre rouge = a red book). For feminine nouns, the adjective often adds a silent “e” at the end. (une robe rouge = a red dress)

Plural

In the plural, most color adjectives add an “s” to the end, regardless of gender. (des livres rouges = red books, des robes rouges = red dresses)

Examples in Action

Let’s see these agreements in action with some sentences:

1. J’aime la chemise bleue (I like the blue shirt) – “chemise” (shirt) is feminine, so “bleu” becomes “bleue.”
2. Nous avons des fleurs jaunes (We have yellow flowers) – “fleurs” (flowers) is feminine plural, so “jaune” becomes “jaunes” with an “s.”
3. Le chat noir court (The black cat runs) – “chat” (cat) is masculine, so “noir” stays the same.

Significance of Colors in French

The French usually hold the same connotative definitions of colors as people in the rest of the Western countries. For instance, the symbolism for some of the popular colors in French is given below. 

Red: This color symbolises passion or danger. 

Green: It is a color linked to nature and well-being.

White: It indicates purity. 

Colors in French: Shades and Nuances

Now that you’ve grasped the fundamentals, let’s explore how to take your French color vocabulary to the next level!

Shades

To specify a shade of a color, you can use adverbs like “très” (very), “un peu” (a little), or “clair” (light) and “foncé” (dark). Examples: “une robe rouge foncé” (a dark red dress), “un ciel bleu clair” (a light blue sky)

Color Combinations

French has some beautiful pre-made color combinations you can use. For example: “rose et blanc” (pink and white), “bleu marine et blanc” (navy and white).

More Colors in French to Expand Your Palette

Here’s a list of some other colors in French to diversify your vocabulary further:

English Color	French Color
Turquoise	Turquoise
Burgundy	Bordeaux
Navy	Marine
Lavender	Lavande
Beige	Beige
Silver	Argent
Gold	Doré
Copper	Cuivre

Tips to Learn Colors in French

Now that you know how you can spell and pronounce colors in French, let’s look at some significant tips you need to keep in mind. Here are some points to consider while using colors in this language: 

• Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the French color word on one side and the English translation with the pronunciation guide on the other.
• Think in French: Describe the colors of objects around you in your head using French.
• Label the World: Put sticky notes with French color words on objects in your house.
• Level Up with Apps: Utilize language learning apps that incorporate colors and include audio pronunciation guides.
• Embrace Children’s Books: Dive into French children’s books filled with vibrant illustrations – a fun way to learn colors in context.
• Find a Language Partner: Connect with a native French speaker to practice describing colors in conversation.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to French Nouns For Beginners

Colors in French: Test Your Knowledge

Check your knowledge of colors in French by answering the following questions. 

Q1 – True or False: When you use colors to describe nouns, they must be according to the gender and number of what they describe to agree with the noun. 

Q2 – Fill in the Blank: The French word for Red is  _________.

Q3 – Match the following colors in French with their correct meaning in English:

a) Rouge	1. Blue
b) Bleu/Bleue	2. Green
c) Vert/Verte	3. Yellow
d) Jaune	4. Red

Q4 – True or False: In French, Blue is spelt as Jaune. 

Answers: A1 – True, A2 – Rouge, A3 – a): 4; b): 1; c): 2; d) 3, A4 – False

Relevant Reads:

Mastering French Pronouns: A Complete Guide	Beyond Salut: Introducing Yourself in French As A Beginner
50+ Basic French Language Words You Need to Know Before Getting Started	Articles in French Made Easy: A Cheat Sheet for Beginners
Verbs in French: Check Out The List of Common French Verbs	A-Z with Ease: Learn the French Alphabet with Pronunciation Like a Breeze!

FAQs

And we are done with the colors in French. Explore Leverage Edu’s study abroad resources for more educative blogs on the French language daily. Ready, set, lingo!