Zoetblauwe

Zoetblauwe is a Dutch term used to describe a soft, pastel shade of blue. It combines the adjectives zoet (sweet) and blauw (blue) and functions as a descriptive color reference in everyday language, marketing, and design. It is not a formal color name in standardized color systems such as Pantone or CIELAB, but one may encounter it in Dutch texts to convey gentleness, calmness, or friendliness. In practice, zoetblauwe hues correspond to light, desaturated blues, akin to pastel or powder blue, and may vary by observer and lighting.

Usage and scope: The term appears in fashion, interior design, and literature to evoke a delicate, approachable impression. It is commonly used with nouns such as lucht (sky), jurk (dress), or tas (bag). The phrase helps distinguish a softer blue from brighter, more saturated blues. In color palettes, zoetblauwe tones may be paired with whites, creams, and warm grays to create serene atmospheres.

Relation to other terms: Other Dutch pastel blue terms include poederblauw and babyblauw. Etymology-wise, zoetblauwe is a straightforward compound formed from zoet and blauw, reflecting a common pattern in Dutch color description.

See also: color naming in Dutch, pastel colors, blue.