IRO

Iro, written in kanji as 色, is a basic noun in Japanese that means color or hue. It denotes the visual attribute of objects that can be perceived as different wavelengths of light and is used across everyday language, art, design, and fashion to describe appearance. The word is read iro in kun’yomi, making it the core term for discussing colors in general, while specific colors are usually named with separate color words such as red, blue, or green.

In addition to its literal sense, iro appears in common expressions. For example, iroiro (色々) is used to mean various or a variety of things, and iroiro na describes a range of options or items. The term also serves as a component in many color-related phrases and compounds, reflecting its central role in describing aesthetics and design.

Culturally, color carries symbolism and associations in Japan, influencing fashion, art, and traditional practices as well as contemporary branding and media. Colors are discussed not only in terms of hue but also in terms of related concepts such as color harmony, brightness, and saturation in more technical contexts.

Overall, iro functions as the foundational concept for color in Japanese, supporting both everyday description and more nuanced discussions of color in culture, art, and design.