Learning a new language often includes delving into the colorful world of describing hues and designs. In Catalan, a language spoken in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Valencia, as well as some parts of France and Italy, colors and patterns enrich conversations and descriptions. Here’s a guide to some essential colors and patterns vocabulary in Catalan to help you express yourself more vividly.

Blau (Blue)
This word is used to describe anything that is of a blue color, from the sky to the ocean.
El cel és d’un blau molt intens avui. (The sky is a very intense blue today.)

Vermell (Red)
This word represents the color red, which can describe anything from a stop sign to a ripe tomato.
La roba vermellesquen viu a la pell. (Red clothes bring out the complexion.)

Groc (Yellow)
Groc refers to anything that is yellow in color, such as the sun or lemons.
Els llimoners estan carregats de fruites grogues. (The lemon trees are loaded with yellow fruit.)

Verd (Green)
The color of grass and leaves, verd is a word that’s indispensable when describing nature.
Els camps estan molt verds aquesta primavera. (The fields are very green this spring.)

Rosa (Pink)
This term is used to describe the color pink, referring to anything from a flower to a blush.
Ella du una samarreta rosa que li queda molt bé. (She is wearing a pink shirt that suits her well.)

Lila (Purple)
Lila, or purple, can be used to describe anything with a purple hue.
Els lliris lila són els meus favorits del jardí. (The purple irises are my favorite in the garden.)

Taronja (Orange)
Taronja describes the color orange and can refer to both the fruit and the vibrant color.
La posta de sol taronja em deixa sense paraules. (The orange sunset leaves me speechless.)

Negre (Black)
The color black, negre, is often used to describe items such as clothing or the night sky.
Vesteix un vestit negre molt elegant per la festa. (He is wearing a very elegant black suit for the party.)

Blanc (White)
Blanc is used to talk about anything that is white, like snow or paper.
La neu blanca cobreix tots els teulats de la ciutat. (The white snow covers all the rooftops of the city.)

Gris (Grey)
Describing things that are grey, like clouds or some animals, gris is a versatile word.
El cel està gris, potser plourà. (The sky is grey, it might rain.)

Moving beyond singular colors, describing patterns can add detail to conversations about clothing, art, and design.

Ratllat (Striped)
Use ratllat to talk about items that have stripes.
La camisa ratllada li dona un aire nàutic. (The striped shirt gives him a nautical look.)

Quadres (Plaid)
For describing the plaid pattern, often found in shirts and skirts, use the word quadres.
Els pantalons de quadres són una tendència aquest any. (Plaid pants are a trend this year.)

Estampat (Printed)
If something has a print or a graphic, the term estampat is suitable to describe it.
La tela estampada és perfecta per a fer coixins decoratius. (The printed fabric is perfect for making decorative cushions.)

Lluny (Polka-dot)
The classic dot pattern is referred to as lluny in Catalan.
El vestit lluny li queda molt bé. (The polka-dot dress looks very good on her.)

Floral (Floral)
The word floral is used for patterns with flowers.
Les cortines florals donen un toc fresc a l’habitació. (The floral curtains give a fresh touch to the room.)

Equipped with this colorful vocabulary, you will be able to describe a wide array of Catalan scenarios more vividly and accurately. Whether you’re shopping for clothes, taking in the sights, or simply admiring nature, these words will help you communicate your experiences in full color. Happy learning, and que gaudiu dels colors i els patrons en català!