Exploring a new language and culture can be an enriching experience, and part of that involves understanding how to describe the world around us. In Belarusian, as in many languages, colors and patterns hold significant descriptive power. Learning these words can help you better express visual experiences and also appreciate local art and traditions. Here are some essential descriptive colors and patterns in Belarusian, complete with definitions and example sentences.

Сіні (seeni) – Blue
This word is used to describe the color blue, akin to the color of the sky on a clear day.

Неба сёння такое сінее.
The sky is so blue today.

Чырвоны (chyrvony) – Red
Use this term when you want to describe something that is red, like a poppy flower or a traditional Belarusian woven belt called a “poyas.”

Яна носіць чырвонае платне.
She is wearing a red dress.

Зялёны (zyaleny) – Green
Green, reminiscent of nature and lush landscapes, is described with this word in Belarusian.

Лісце на дрэвах ужо зялёнае.
The leaves on the trees are already green.

Жоўты (zhoŭty) – Yellow
Like the brightness of the sun or the petals of a sunflower, “zhovty” captures the essence of yellow in Belarusian.

Сонца свеціць так ярка жоўтым колерам.
The sun shines so brightly in yellow.

Фіялетавы (fiyaletavy) – Purple
This word describes the color purple, often used to signify royalty and elegance.

Яе фіялетавая сукенка вельмі элегантная.
Her purple dress is very elegant.

Шэры (shery) – Gray
“Shery” is used for objects that are gray, capturing the often-overcast skies or the color of aged stone.

Надвор’е сёння шэрае і пасмурнае.
The weather today is gray and gloomy.

Узор (uzor) – Pattern
This encompasses all types of patterns, which play an important role in Belarusian folk art and textiles.

На яе сукенцы прыгожы традыцыйны ўзор.
There is a beautiful traditional pattern on her dress.

Паласаты (palasaty) – Striped
Anything with stripes can be described as “palasaty,” from clothing to animals like cats.

Ён носіць паласатую кашулю.
He is wearing a striped shirt.

Клетчаты (kletchaty) – Checkered
Checkered patterns, often seen in tablecloths and shirts, are referred to as “kletchaty.”

Сцёл сёння пакрыты клетчатым сурвэткам.
The table is covered with a checkered tablecloth today.

Гарохавы (garokhavy) – Polka-dotted
A playful and fun pattern, “garokhavy” indicates something adorned with polka dots.

Яе сукенка ў гарохавы ўзор вельмі мілая.
Her polka-dotted dress is very cute.

Кветкавы (kvetkavy) – Floral
Belarusian textile often features floral motifs, and “kvetkavy” is the word used to describe these lush patterns.

Старонкі старога альбома ўкрашаныя кветкавымі ўзорамі.
The pages of the old album are adorned with floral patterns.

Understanding these terms for colors and patterns can provide a richer vocabulary for anyone learning Belarusian. Whether you’re shopping for traditional garments, admiring local art, or simply describing what you see around you, these words add colorful precision to your conversations.