Japanese is an intricate language with a rich vocabulary. Learning the words for colors and shapes can significantly enhance your ability to describe objects, settings, and art. In this article, we’ll explore essential Japanese terms for colors and shapes, providing definitions and example sentences for each.

色 (いろ – Iro)
Definition: Color
この花はいろんな色があります。
(There are many colors in this flower.)

形 (かたち – Katachi)
Definition: Shape
この箱の形は四角いです。
(The shape of this box is square.)

赤 (あか – Aka)
Definition: Red
りんごは赤いです。
(The apple is red.)

青 (あお – Ao)
Definition: Blue
空は青いです。
(The sky is blue.)

緑 (みどり – Midori)
Definition: Green
葉は緑です。
(The leaves are green.)

黄 (き – Ki)
Definition: Yellow
ひまわりは黄色いです。
(The sunflower is yellow.)

白 (しろ – Shiro)
Definition: White
雪は白いです。
(The snow is white.)

黒 (くろ – Kuro)
Definition: Black
猫が黒いです。
(The cat is black.)

四角 (しかく – Shikaku)
Definition: Square
紙が四角形です。
(The paper is square-shaped.)

丸 (まる – Maru)
Definition: Circle
ボタンは丸いです。
(The button is round.)

三角 (さんかく – Sankaku)
Definition: Triangle
三角の看板があります。
(There is a triangular sign.)

長方形 (ちょうほうけい – Chouhoukei)
Definition: Rectangle
テーブルが長方形です。
(The table is rectangular.)

楕円 (だえん – Daen)
Definition: Oval
鏡は楕円形です。
(The mirror is oval-shaped.)

星 (ほし – Hoshi)
Definition: Star
夜空に星が輝いています。
(Stars are shining in the night sky.)

Learning these basic words for colors and shapes in Japanese can be a great starting point for conversing about everyday objects and their attributes. Practice using these words in sentences to strengthen your vocabulary and understanding of Japanese.