Colours

This section is devoted to the names of colors most commonly found in the world’s languages. Linguistic research shows that the color system of each language is shaped by cultural, historical, and natural conditions, which can lead to significant differences in the description of shades and the boundaries of color categories.

For example, in some languages the distinction between light blue (cyan) and dark blue is expressed in separate terms, while in others these shades may be combined into a single category. Also, some languages may not distinguish between blue and green. These differences reflect the unique ways in which different language communities perceive and categorize the world.

The order in which color terms appear in the world’s languages follows certain patterns. For example, in most cases, the first terms are black and white (light and darkness), then red (associated with blood and fire). Terms for other colors appear later, depending on the needs of society.

This section presents the names of the basic colors and their meanings in different languages.

Colours in all languages

Red

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Yellow

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Green

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Blue

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Purple

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White

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Black

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Brown

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History of color terms and their peculiarities in different world languages

The evolution of color terms in world languages is subject to certain universal laws. According to the Berlin-Kay theory, all world languages develop their color vocabularies in a certain order. First there are terms for black and white, then for red. Then come green and yellow, blue and brown, and later such colors as pink, orange, purple, and others.

However, the development of the color system can vary greatly depending on culture and environment. For example, people living in the Arctic regions have more terms for shades of white associated with snow and ice, while the inhabitants of the tropics pay more attention to green and its shades.

Interesting features of color vocabulary in different languages

1. Japanese

For a long time, Japanese did not have a word for green. The colors we now call green were described as shades of blue (ao). This trace has survived in the language: for example, a traffic light on a green signal in Japan is indicated by the word aoi. It was only with the development of the language that the term midori was used to refer to the modern color green.

2. Russian

A unique feature of Russian is the distinction between cyan and blue, which are perceived as separate primary colors. In most languages of the world, these shades are combined into one category.

3. Indonesian

In Indonesian, the word hijau, which means green, can include shades that are considered blue-green in other languages. Also of interest is the term coklat, which means both “brown” and “chocolate”, reflecting the influence of everyday objects on the development of the color system.

4. Korean

In Korean, the term 파란색 (paransaek) is used to refer to blue, but it can also be used to describe shades of green in certain contexts, such as the color of grass or traffic lights.

5. Germanic languages

In ancient Germanic languages, there was no clear distinction between the colors green and yellow. For example, the word gelb (yellow) in ancient times encompassed a spectrum that included greenish tones.

6. Maori (New Zealand)

The Maori language uses the word whero to refer to red, but it is often associated not only with color, but also with the concept of the sacred and ritual.

7. The African (Zulu) Color System

There are some interesting features in the Zulu language. For example, colors can be described by their brightness or function. Words for white (mhlophe) and black (mnyama) also denote light and dark, and the concept of green is related to vegetation (luhlaza, which can also mean blue).

8. Chinese

Chinese has historically been divided into two terms for green and blue: qīng (青), which referred to both colors at once, and the more modern terms lǜ (绿, green) and lán (蓝, blue). In ancient Chinese philosophy, qīng symbolized youth, nature, and life, and combines both hues.

9. Australian Aborigines (Pintupi language)

In Australian Aboriginal languages, the language used to describe colors focuses on natural objects rather than abstract concepts. For example, instead of a word for red, the description “like iron oxide” may be used, and “like sand” for yellow.

10. Tamil (South India)

In Tamil, the word for green (pachchai) is associated with the concept of freshness, fertility, and youth. This color often symbolizes nature and spring, which is reflected in many literary texts.

Historical characteristics of some languages in different cultures and languages

Red (Mesoamerican cultures)

In the languages of the peoples of Mesoamerica, red was often associated with life, blood, and the sun. For example, in the Nahuatl language, the word tlapalli means red, but could also describe the brightness and energy associated with divine powers.

White (Fula language, West Africa)

In the Fula language, the word for white (pullo) not only describes color, but also symbolizes purity and peace. Interestingly, in this language, white is often contrasted not only with black, but also with red, creating a triple color system.

Yellow (Ancient Egyptian)

In ancient Egyptian, yellow (khenet) was associated with the sun, gold, and eternity. It was used to describe gods and objects associated with the afterlife, reflecting the symbolic importance of color in the culture.

Black (Swahili)

In Swahili, the color black (nyeusi) is associated with depth, darkness, and the earth. This meaning was often applied in the context of agriculture, where black soil symbolized fertility.

Brown (European languages)

In European languages, the color brown (e.g., braun in German) did not come into active use until the late Middle Ages. Before then, shades of brown were described by materials such as wood, leather, or earth.

Purple (Latin)

In Latin, the word purpura referred not only to the color purple, but also to a specific shade derived from shellfish. This color was associated with power and luxury, as purple cloth was only available to the elite.