Learning a new language is not just about picking up grammar and vocabulary; it’s about immersion into a new culture and looking at the world through a different lens. Colors and patterns hold significant cultural importance and are deeply woven into the fabric of daily life. In Hindi, a language spoken widely in India, there are a plethora of terms to describe colors and patterns that are vibrant and descriptive. Here, we explore some key Hindi vocabulary for colors and patterns, and how to use them in context.

लाल (Laal) – Red
This is the Hindi word for the color red, which is a vibrant and auspicious color in Indian culture, often associated with weddings and festivals.

सूरज आसमान में लाल दिख रहा है। (The sun appears red in the sky.)

नीला (Neela) – Blue
‘Neela’ refers to the color blue, reminiscent of the sky and the sea, and is often used to describe anything that adorns this tranquil hue.

नीला आसमान साफ दिखाई देता है। (The blue sky looks clear.)

हरा (Hara) – Green
Hara is the word for green, symbolizing nature, fertility, and life. It’s a color that evokes the feeling of being amidst lush greenery and freshness.

यह हरा बाग़ बहुत सुन्दर है। (This green garden is very beautiful.)

पीला (Peela) – Yellow
In Hindi, ‘Peela’ means yellow. This color is often associated with turmeric, a commonly used spice in India, and symbolizes happiness and peace.

पीले फूल बगीचे में खिले हैं। (Yellow flowers are blooming in the garden.)

काला (Kala) – Black
‘Kala’ represents the color black, a stark color that is associated with the unknown and the mysterious.

मेरी काली बिल्ली रात में गायब हो जाती है। (My black cat disappears at night.)

सफ़ेद (Safed) – White
‘Safed’ is Hindi for white, often associated with purity and peace. It is commonly worn in times of mourning to symbolize peace for the departed soul.

सफ़ेद बादल आसमान में तैर रहे हैं। (White clouds are floating in the sky.)

गुलाबी (Gulabi) – Pink
‘Gulabi’ means pink in Hindi, a color that is widely loved for its association with romance, charm, and tenderness.

गुलाबी रंग का गुलाब बहुत सुन्दर लगता है। (The pink-colored rose looks very beautiful.)

धारीदार (Dharidar) – Striped
‘Dharidar’ is the Hindi term for striped. Stripes are a common pattern seen in traditional Indian fabrics.

धारीदार शर्ट मुझपर अच्छी लगती है। (Striped shirts look good on me.)

चितकबरा (Chitkabra) – Spotted or Dappled
A term used to indicate an irregular pattern of spots or patches of color. It captures the essence of something being speckled or mottled.

चितकबरी गाय खेत में चर रही है। (The spotted cow is grazing in the field.)

चेक (Chek) – Checkered
This is adopted from the English term ‘checkered’ and is used to describe a pattern of squares typically found in fabrics, such as tablecloths or shirts.

चेक वाली साड़ी उत्सव में खूब दिखाई देती है। (Checkered sarees are often seen at festivals.)

फूलदार (Phooldar) – Floral
Floral patterns are ubiquitous in Indian attire and decor; ‘Phooldar’ describes anything that exhibits a pattern of flowers.

फूलदार कुर्ता इस गर्मी के मौसम में बहुत आरामदेह है। (The floral kurta is very comfortable in this summer season.)

Understanding these Hindi words for colors and patterns will enrich your language skills and could be especially useful when wandering through markets, selecting fabrics, or attending cultural events. They not only add to your vocabulary but also help you to describe and appreciate the unique aspects of Indian culture. So next time you see a vibrant ‘Laal’ dress or a ‘Phooldar’ print, you’ll have the words to describe their beauty in Hindi.