List of color readings and difficult-to-read kanji
Traditional Japanese Colors (with full pronunciation guides)
Many traditional Japanese colors, such as "Ukon-iro" (turmeric), "Hanada-iro" (indigo), and "Kishishi-iro" (yellow gardenia), have kanji characters that are difficult to read. This page provides a list of traditional Japanese colors, including their readings, furigana (pronunciation guides), and HEX color codes. It also supports color name search and filtering by color system.
Traditional Color Names & Readings
List of pronunciations of traditional Japanese colors
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FAQ
QHow do you pronounce "鬱金色"?
It is pronounced "ukon-iro". It is a yellowish-orange color derived from a dye made from turmeric. The character "鬱" is difficult to read, so it is known as a prime example of a difficult-to-read kanji. The HEX code is around #D4A017.
QHow do you pronounce "繹色"?
It is pronounced "hanada-iro." It is a medium-dark blue color dyed with indigo, and is a traditional color that has been used since the Heian period. The character "縹" is not a commonly used kanji, so it is considered difficult to read.
QWhere do the names of traditional Japanese colors come from?
The names have various origins, including plants (cherry blossoms, bush clover, wisteria, etc.), animals (swans, kites, etc.), natural phenomena (dawn, sunrise, etc.), minerals and pigments (ultramarine, vermilion, etc.), and clothing and fabrics (light blue, smoky blue, etc.). Many names were born in the Heian period's "Engishiki" and in the dyeing culture of the Edo period.
QAre "gardenia color" and "gardenia color" the same color?
Yes, both are pronounced "kuchinashi-iro" and refer to the same color. It is a yellowish-orange color derived from a dye made from gardenia fruit, and "支子" is a simplified or variant character of "梔子". The spelling varies depending on the classical literature and dyeing texts.
QWhere can I find the HEX codes for traditional Japanese colors?
Each color card on this page includes its HEX code. Additionally, on this website, "Iro Code," you can view and copy HEX, RGB, and HSL codes for each traditional color for free on their respective detail pages.
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