Here’s a comprehensive guide to how the word “blue” is expressed in different languages across the globe, categorized by region and language family. This list includes translations and cultural insights into the word blue.
Why Learning How to Say ‘Blue’ in Different Languages is Intriguing
The color blue holds cultural, emotional, and symbolic significance worldwide. Learning how to say “blue” in different languages can deepen your understanding of global cultures and their unique perspectives on color.
Saying “Blue” in European Languages
Western European Languages:
- English: Blue
- French: Bleu
- Spanish: Azul
- Portuguese: Azul
- Italian: Blu
- German: Blau
- Dutch: Blauw
Northern European Languages:
- Swedish: Blå
- Danish: Blå
- Norwegian: Blå
- Finnish: Sininen
- Icelandic: Blár
Eastern European Languages:
- Russian: Синий (Siniy)
- Polish: Niebieski
- Czech: Modrý
- Hungarian: Kék
- Romanian: Albastru
Celtic Languages:
- Irish: Gorm
- Scottish Gaelic: Gorm
- Welsh: Glas
Other European Languages:
- Greek: Μπλε (Ble)
- Albanian: Blu
- Basque: Urdin
How to Say “Blue” in Asian Languages
East Asian Languages:
- Chinese (Mandarin): 蓝色 (Lán sè)
- Japanese: 青 (Ao)
- Korean: 파란색 (Paransaek)
South Asian Languages:
- Hindi: नीला (Neela)
- Bengali: নীল (Neel)
- Tamil: நீலம் (Neelam)
- Urdu: نیلا (Neela)
Southeast Asian Languages:
- Thai: สีน้ำเงิน (See nam ngoen)
- Vietnamese: Xanh da trời
- Indonesian/Malay: Biru
Central Asian Languages:
- Kazakh: Көк (Kök)
- Uzbek: Ko’k
How to Say “Blue” in Middle-Eastern Languages
- Arabic: أزرق (Azraq)
- Hebrew: כחול (Kachol)
- Persian (Farsi): آبی (Abi)
- Turkish: Mavi
Blue in African Languages
North African Languages:
- Arabic (Egyptian): أزرق (Azraq)
- Berber: Azegzaw
West African Languages:
- Hausa: Shuɗi
- Yoruba: Bulu
East African Languages:
- Swahili: Bluu
- Amharic: ሰማያዊ (Semayawi)
Central African Languages:
- Lingala: Bulu
Southern African Languages:
- Zulu: Luhlaza
- Xhosa: Luhlaza
Other African Languages:
- Afrikaans: Blou
Saying “Blue” in Austronesian Languages
Southeast Asian Austronesian Languages:
- Filipino/Tagalog: Asul
- Malay/Indonesian: Biru
Pacific Austronesian Languages:
- Hawaiian: Polū
- Maori: Kikorangi
Malagasy (Madagascar):
- Malagasy: Manga
Other Austronesian Languages:
- Samoan: Lanumoana
Saying “Blue” in Indigenous Languages
North American Indigenous Languages:
- Navajo: Dootłʼizh
- Cherokee: ᏌᎪᏂᎨ (Sagonige)
Central & South American Indigenous Languages:
- Quechua: Anqas
- Nahuatl: Texotli
Australian Aboriginal Languages:
- Warlpiri: Wirriyari
African Indigenous Languages:
- Zulu: Luhlaza
Pacific Indigenous Languages:
- Maori: Kikorangi
Blue in Different Languages and How to Pronounce It
European Languages:
- French: Bleu (Bluh)
- German: Blau (Blau)
- Russian: Синий (See-nee)
Asian Languages:
- Japanese: 青 (Ah-oh)
- Hindi: नीला (Nee-la)
African Languages:
- Swahili: Bluu (Bloo)
- Zulu: Luhlaza (Loo-hla-za)
Middle Eastern Languages:
- Arabic: أزرق (Az-rak)
- Hebrew: כחול (Ka-khol)
Indigenous & Native Languages:
- Navajo: Dootłʼizh (Doh-tlizh)
- Quechua: Anqas (An-kas)
Language and Cultural Insights into the Word “Blue”
- In many cultures, blue symbolizes calmness, trust, and serenity.
- In some East Asian cultures, blue and green are often represented by the same word (e.g., Japanese “Ao”).
- In Western cultures, “feeling blue” signifies sadness.
Using Translations and Meanings in Sentences: Examples in Different Languages
- English: The sky is blue.
- Spanish: El cielo es azul.
- Japanese: 空は青いです。(Sora wa aoi desu.)
- Arabic: السماء زرقاء (Al-samaa zarqa).
Final Thoughts
Learning how to say “blue” in different languages is not only fun but also offers a glimpse into the cultural significance of colors worldwide. Whether you’re a language enthusiast or a traveler, this knowledge can enrich your understanding of global diversity.