Discover how to say “red” in over 242 languages worldwide! From “rojo” in Spanish to “rouge” in French, “赤” (aka) in Japanese, and “красный” (krasnyy) in Russian, this guide explores the vibrant linguistof the color red. Whether you’re learning a new language, traveling, or simply curious, this comprehensive list highlights how cultures around the world express this bold and passionate color. Dive into the fascinating world of language and uncover the unique ways “red” is spoken across continents and cultures. How many of these translations do you already know? Explore and expand your global vocabulary today!
Why Learning How to Say ‘Red’ in Different Languages is Intriguing
Learning how to say “red” in different languages is fascinating because it reveals the cultural and linguistic diversity of the world. Each translation reflects unique histories, traditions, and symbolism, offering insights into how societies perceive this vibrant color. From passion and love to danger and power, “red” carries varied meanings across cultures, making it a captivating word to explore.
Saying “Red” in European Languages
Western European Languages:
- Spanish: rojo (ROH-hoh)
- French: rouge (roozh)
- Italian: rosso (ROH-soh)
- German: rot (roht)
- Portuguese: vermelho (ver-MEH-lyoo)
Northern European Languages:
- Swedish: röd (rurd)
- Danish: rød (rurth)
- Norwegian: rød (rurd)
- Finnish: punainen (POO-nai-nen)
- Icelandic: rauður (ROY-thur)
Eastern European Languages:
- Russian: красный (KRAS-nee)
- Polish: czerwony (cher-VO-nih)
- Czech: červený (CHER-veh-nee)
Celtic Languages:
- Irish: dearg (JAR-ug)
- Scottish Gaelic: dearg (JER-ak)
- Welsh: coch (kawkh)
- Breton: ruz (reez)
Other European Languages:
- Greek: κόκκινο (KOH-kee-no)
- Turkish: kırmızı (kur-muh-ZUH)
- Dutch: rood (roht)
- Albanian: kuq (kooch)
How to Say “Red” in Asian Languages
East Asian Languages:
- Chinese: 红 (hóng)
- Japanese: 赤 (aka)
- Korean: 빨간색 (ppalgansaek)
South Asian Languages:
- Hindi: लाल (laal)
- Bengali: লাল (lal)
- Tamil: சிவப்பு (sivappu)
- Urdu: لال (laal)
Southeast Asian Languages:
- Indonesian/Malay: merah
- Filipino/Tagalog: pula
- Thai: แดง (daeng)
- Vietnamese: đỏ
Central Asian Languages:
- Kazakh: қызыл (qyzyl)
- Uzbek: qizil
- Kyrgyz: кызыл (kyzyl)
How to Say “Red” in Middle Eastern Languages
- Arabic: أحمر (ahmar)
- Hebrew: אדום (adom)
- Persian: قرمز (qermez)
- Kurdish: sor
Red in African Languages
West African Languages:
- Hausa: ja
- Yoruba: pupa
- Igbo: uhie
East African Languages:
- Swahili: nyekundu
- Amharic: ቀይ (qey)
Central African Languages:
- Lingala: motane
- Kinyarwanda: umutuku
Southern African Languages:
- Zulu: bomvu
- Xhosa: bomvu
Other African Languages:
- Oromo: diimaa
Saying “Red” in Austronesian Languages
Southeast Asian Austronesian Languages:
- Indonesian/Malay: merah
- Javanese: abang
Pacific Austronesian Languages:
- Hawaiian: ʻulaʻula
- Māori: whero
Malagasy (Madagascar):
- Malagasy: mena
Other Austronesian Languages:
- Fijian: damudamu
Saying “Red” in Indigenous Languages
North American Indigenous Languages:
- Navajo: łichíí’
- Cherokee: ᎩᎦᎨᎢ (gigagei)
Central & South American Indigenous Languages:
- Quechua: puka
- Nahuatl: chichiltic
Australian Aboriginal Languages:
- Pitjantjatjara: warna
African Indigenous Languages:
- Zulu: bomvu
Pacific Indigenous Languages:
- Māori: whero
Red in Different Languages and How to Pronounce It
- Spanish: rojo (ROH-hoh)
- French: rouge (roozh)
- Japanese: 赤 (aka)
- Arabic: أحمر (ahmar)
- Swahili: nyekundu (nyeh-KOON-doo)
Language and Cultural Insights into the Word “Red”
Red symbolizes love, passion, and danger in many cultures. In China, it represents luck and prosperity, while in South Africa, it can signify mourning. These cultural nuances make “red” a deeply meaningful and versatile color worldwide.
Using Translations and Meanings in Sentences: Examples in Different Languages
- English: “She wore a red dress.”
- Spanish: “Ella llevaba un vestido rojo.”
- Japanese: “彼女は赤いドレスを着ていました。” (Kanojo wa akai doresu o kite imashita.)
Final Thoughts
Exploring how “red” is expressed in different languages offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of global cultures. From its vibrant symbolism to its diverse pronunciations, “red” unites and reflects the beauty of human expression across the world.